This threefold austerity (tapas) performed by men with supreme faith (śraddhā), Disciplined (yuktaiḥ) and not desiring the fruit, they declare to be of goodness (sāttvika).
This threefold penance is lucid when men of discipline perform it with deep faith, without craving for reward.
(17) When men possessed of highest faith, integrated and indifferent to the fruits [of what they do], do penance in this threefold wise, men speak of [penance] in Goodness' way.
17.17 When that threefold austerity is undertaken with supreme faith by people who do not hanker after results and are self-controlled, they speak of it as born of sattva.
17.17 The threefold austerity, practiced with supreme faith by men who desire no fruit and are devoted --- they call it austerity of Sattva.
17.17 This threefold austerity, practiced by steadfast men, with the utmost faith, desiring no reward, they call Sattvic.