yajñe tapasi dāne ca sthitiḥ sad iti cocyate karma caiva tad-arthīyaṁ sad ity evābhidhīyate
"Steadfastness in sacrifice, austerity, and charity is also called 'Sat'; and action for the sake of That is also called 'Sat.'"
What This Means:
Steadfast commitment to sacrifice, austerity, and charity is called 'Sat.' Any action done for the sake of the Divine is also 'Sat.' 'Sat' sanctifies both the practice and the intention.
Going Deeper:
'Yajñe tapasi dāne sthitiḥ Sat'—steadfastness (firm establishment) in sacrifice, austerity, and charity is Sat. 'Karma tat-arthīyam Sat'—action done for That (the Divine) is also Sat. Both the constancy of practice and the divine orientation of action are affirmed as 'real/true' through 'Sat.'
How To Apply This:
Your commitment to practice (sthiti) is Sat—real and valuable. Your intention to serve the Divine (tat-arthīya) is Sat. Both your persistence and your orientation are sanctified.
Key Sanskrit Terms: