The Gita according to Gandhi 131

The Gita according to Gandhi -Mahadev Desai

INDIVIDUAL ETHICS (Discourses 16 and 17) The same is the case about charity which if done in a sattvika spirit would not let the left hand know what the right hand doeth; if done in a rajasa spirit, would be done in expectation of return and with a flourish of trumpets; and if done in a tamasa spirit, would be a wasteful and demoralizing excess (XVII. 11-22). All works of austerity, sacrifice, and charity to be of liberating power should, therefore, be done in a spirit of perfect dedication. OM TAT SAT has been the dedicatory formula from ancient times and the worshipper and the sacrificer offering his worship and sacrifice in the name of OM TAT SAT—the triple symbol of Brahman, would dedicate them to the Absolute the All-pervading, the Unconditioned, the True, the Beautiful and the Good. This is no theological formula it simply expresses the rules of selflessness and dedication. Let all work be dedicated to Him however one may think of Him and by whatever name one may call Him. And dedicated work is good, all undedicated work, divorced from selflessness and scripture is bad, availing neither here nor hereafter (XVII. 23-28).