Chapter 17 - Verse 26

In expressing the reality of an object which is unreal—as for example, the birth of a son who is unreal—and in expressing that a man is one of good conduct who is not so, this designation of Brahman, viz., the word ‘Sat,’ is employed. It is also used with reference to the act of marriage and the like*.

It may be further explained thus: A son when born is said to come into existence. From the stand-point, however, of the Absolute, he never exists. Thus the word ‘Sat’ meaning ‘real’ properly applicable to Brahman who alone is real, is applied also to a son who is unreal or is only relatively real. Similarly, the word ‘Sat,’ properly applicable to Brahman who is absolutely Good and absolutely Auspicious, is applied to a man whose conduct is not good or is only relatively good, or to an act which is not auspicious or which is only relatively auspicious. This is only to illustrate how the imperfectly performed acts of sacrifice, gift and austerity the designation of Brahman may be applied—as enjoined here—with a view to make them perfect.