Krishna says, "𝙔𝙖𝙟𝙣𝙖 (sacrifice or performance of duty or selfless action) is 𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙫𝙞𝙠 which is offered by those desiring no fruit of action; which is performed according to scriptural injunctions, with the firm conviction of the mind that it is a matter of duty (17.11). That 𝙔𝙖𝙟𝙣𝙖 performed seeking fruits of action and with an ostentatious spirit is 𝙧𝙖𝙟𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙘 in nature (17.12). That 𝙔𝙖𝙟𝙣𝙖 is 𝙩𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙘 which is without regard for scriptures, in which no food is distributed, no mantras chanted, and no donation is given and is without 𝙨𝙝𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙝𝙖 (devotion)" (17.13). The word 𝙔𝙖𝙟𝙣𝙖 can be interpreted in different ways depending on the level of the seeker and accordingly, the meaning of these verses keeps varying.

Firstly, the simple meaning of 𝙔𝙖𝙟𝙣𝙖 is a fire ritual. History suggests that fire rituals were a norm during the time of the Kurukshetra battle. Till today, fire rituals are performed across the country on the occasion of festivals to invite good vibes and ward off evil. They are also common on occasions like marriages. A literal description of these verses gives a glimpse of how one performs 𝙔𝙖𝙟𝙣𝙖 based on the 𝙜𝙪𝙣𝙖 which is dominant at that point in time. Secondly, 𝙮𝙖𝙜𝙣𝙖 also stands for the performance of one's duties. These verses indicate how one discharges one's duties and responsibilities, from sincerity to carelessness, depending on the dominant 𝙜𝙪𝙣𝙖.

Finally, 𝙔𝙖𝙟𝙣𝙖 also indicates selfless actions of give and take. While citing rain as an example, Krishna clarified that the selfless action of 𝙔𝙖𝙟𝙣𝙖 holds the supreme reality or supreme power (3.15). He advised that instead of hoarding, one should participate in the cycle of give and take which will free us from all sins (3.13) -hoarding being the original sin. Just being a part of these selfless actions is nothing but the state of 𝙜𝙪𝙣𝙖-𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙝 (transcending the influence of 𝙜𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙨).

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