सद्भावे साधुभावे च सदित्येतत्प्रयुज्यते।
प्रशस्ते कर्मणि तथा सच्छब्दः पार्थ युज्यते।।
sad-bhāve sādhu-bhāve ca sad ity etat prayujyate
praśaste karmaṇi tathā sac-chabdaḥ pārtha yujyate
Translation
The Absolute Truth is the objective of devotional sacrifice, and it is indicated by the word sat. The performer of such sacrifice is also called sat, as are all works of sacrifice, penance and charity which, true to the absolute nature, are performed to please the Supreme Person, O son of Prith.
Meaning
Kṛṣṇa explains the function of the word ‘Sat’ (Truth/Eternity). He says that this word is used to indicate the Absolute Truth and the nature of devotion. It is also used to label any auspicious or superior activity. ‘Sat’ is the stamp of permanence. In a world where everything is temporary, only that which is connected to God is called ‘Sat’.
This word helps us distinguish between the real and the unreal. Material achievements are ‘Asat’ (temporary/false), but spiritual progress is ‘Sat’ (eternal/real). When we use the word ‘Sat’, we are acknowledging the eternal substance behind the changing forms. It is also used to describe a ‘Sādhu’—a person who is fixed in the Truth. Calling an act ‘Sat’ means it is a high-quality, godly activity.
It teaches us to seek the ‘Sat’ aspect of life. We should invest our time in activities that have eternal value. While the physical results of our work will eventually vanish, the spiritual benefit (‘Sat’) stays with the soul forever. By aligning our lives with ‘Sat’, we move from the world of shadows to the world of substance. We become ‘Truth-centered’.