Verse 17.1317.117.217.317.417.517.617.717.817.917.1017.1117.1217.1317.1417.1517.1617.1717.1817.1917.2017.2117.2217.2317.2417.2517.2617.2717.28

They declare that sacrifice to be Tamasic which is contrary to the ordinances of the scriptures, in which no food is distributed, which is devoid of Mantras, gifts and faith.

Sacrifice without proper rule, without distribution of food, without sacred chants, without gifts to the priests and without faith, they call tamasic.

Sacrifice is tamasic when it ignores proper rule, does not share food with others, omits sacred chants (mantras), gives no fee to the officiants, and lacks faith. Such a ritual is careless and empty. Each missing element marks a failure of care, generosity or reverence. The verse shows that tamas expresses itself not only through harmful acts but also through neglect, going through religious motions without attention or heart.