Bhagavad Gita As It Is 1972.

Chapter 17: The Divisions of Faith. Text 26-27

sad-bhÄve sÄdhu-bhÄve ca
sad ity etat prayujyate
praÅ›aste karmaṇi tathÄ
sac-chabdaḥ pÄrtha yujyateyajñe tapasi dÄne ca
sthitiḥ sad iti cocyate
karma caiva tad-arthÄ«yaá¹
sad ity evÄbhidhÄ«yate

sat-bhave--in the sense of the nature of the Supreme; sadhu-bhave--in the sense of the nature of devotion; ca--also; sat--the supreme; iti--thus; etat--this; prayujyate--is used; prasaste--bona fide; karmani--activities; tatha--also; sat-sabdah--the sound sat; partha--O son of Prtha; yujyate--is used; yajne--sacrifice; tapasi--in penance; dane--charity; ca--also; sthitih--situated; sat--the Supreme; iti--thus; ca--and; ucyate--pronounced; karma--work; ca--also; eva--certainly; tat--that; arthiyam--are meant; sat--Supreme; iti--thus; eva--certainly; abhidhiyate--is practiced.


Text

The Absolute Truth is the objective of devotional sacrifice, and it is indicated by the word sat. These works of sacrifice, of penance and of charity, true to the absolute nature, are performed to please the Supreme Person, O son of Prtha.

Purport
The words prasaste karmani, or prescribed duties, indicate that there are many activities prescribed in the Vedic literature which are purificatory processes beginning from the parental care up to the end of one's life. Such purificatory processes are adopted for the ultimate liberation of the living entity. In all such activities it is recommended that one should vibrate om tat sat. The words sad-bhave and sadhu-bhave indicate the transcendental situation. One who is acting in Krsna consciousness is called sattva, and one who is fully conscious of activities in Krsna consciousness is called svarupa. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam it is said that the transcendental subject matter becomes clear in the association of the devotees. Without good association, one cannot achieve transcendental knowledge. When initiating a person or offering the sacred thread, one vibrates the words om tat sat. Similarly, in all kinds of yajna performances, the supreme object, om tat sat is invoked. These words om tat sat are used to perfect all activities. The supreme om tat sat makes everything complete.