Chapter 17: Śraddhā-traya-vibhāga-yoga: / Verse 12

The inner personality is the sole factor in shaping the quality and outcome of whatever one does. An action may be very holy and noble. But if done in an unholy manner, it vitiates the performer. The outcome solely depends upon the performer’s mind and attitude. This fundamental fact should be borne in mind with great care and attention.

Thus the most noble yajna gets vitiated when performed looking only for some personal gain and with overwhelming ostentation. The great holy act becomes impious, degrading and ignoble.

Though the act of yajna is external, and many factors are involved in it, the entire fate changes, when the mind displays wrong attitude and aim. What the mind does alone counts, not what the body and limbs do. Yajna or any other action performed in a rājasa way enhances ego, desire and distraction, and does not lead the mind on the auspicious path.