Any sacrifice, gift, or penance performed without faith is considered asat, which means unreal or without substance. Such actions lack sincerity and devotion, rendering them devoid of efficacy and spiritual merit. Krishna emphasizes the significance of faith as a fundamental aspect of spiritual practice. Faith is the driving force behind all religious rituals and acts of devotion. It infuses sincerity, devotion, and reverence into one's actions, imbuing them with spiritual potency and efficacy. Without faith, rituals become mere mechanical observances devoid of inner meaning and significance.

The term "ashraddhaya" refers to the absence of faith or belief. When offerings are made without genuine faith and devotion, they lose their spiritual value and significance. Krishna cautions Arjuna that such offerings are deemed asat, lacking in spiritual merit and efficacy.

Furthermore, Krishna highlights the consequences of performing rituals without faith. He states that such actions are not beneficial either in the present life (iha) or in the hereafter (pretya). They do not yield any positive results or spiritual progress, both in this world and in the afterlife.

This verse underscores the importance of cultivating genuine faith and devotion in one's spiritual practice. Faith acts as a catalyst for spiritual growth and transformation, infusing meaning and purpose into religious observances and rituals. It fosters a deep connection with the divine and aligns one's actions with divine will, leading to inner peace and satisfaction.

Krishna's teachings in this verse emphasize the need for sincerity and devotion in all aspects of life. Whether it be offering sacrifices, performing acts of charity, or engaging in penance, faith serves as the cornerstone of spiritual practice, guiding individuals towards righteousness and inner purity.

In essence, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita underscores the transformative power of faith in spiritual life. It reminds seekers of the importance of cultivating genuine belief and devotion in their religious practices, ensuring that their actions are imbued with sincerity, reverence, and spiritual merit. Through unwavering faith, individuals can transcend the limitations of the material world and attain spiritual liberation and eternal bliss.