📿 Shloka Collection

Sadbhave Sadhubhave Cha

Gita 17.26 Bhagavad Gita
📖 Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 17 — Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
सद्भावे साधुभावे च सदित्येतत्प्रयुज्यते ।
प्रशस्ते कर्मणि तथा सच्छब्दः पार्थ युज्यते ॥
Sadbhave sadhubhave cha sad ity etat prayujyate,
Prashaste karmani tatha sacchabdah partha yujyate.
सद्भावे
in the sense of truth / reality
साधुभावे
in the sense of goodness / virtue
सत्
the word Sat
इति
thus
एतत्
this
प्रयुज्यते
is used
प्रशस्ते
praiseworthy
कर्मणि
in action
सच्छब्दः
the word Sat
पार्थ
O Arjuna (son of Pritha)

Krishna tells Arjuna: the word "Sat" carries a wide field of meaning. It is used to express sadbhava — truth, reality, genuine existence. It is used to express sadhubhava — goodness, virtue, nobility. And it is applied to any praiseworthy action.

Consider how many words in everyday use carry "Sat" at their root. Satsang (company of the good). Satkarma (virtuous deed). Sajjana (a good person). Satya (truth). In every case, "Sat" signals that something is real, good, and worthy.

Krishna is mapping the territory of this single syllable. "Sat" covers everything that is authentic in feeling, noble in character, and commendable in action. It is the word that says: this is genuine, this counts.

This shloka and the next (17.27) together explain the full meaning of "Sat." Here, Krishna covers the general usage — truth, goodness, and praiseworthy action. In 17.27, he will connect "Sat" specifically to steadfastness in sacrifice, austerity, and charity. "Sat" is one of the most foundational words in Indian culture.

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