This truth: the actions that the seers envisioned in the mantras manifested in the Tretā age in various ways. Practice them faithfully, O seekers of truth, this is your path to the world of good action.

Verse similar to 1.2.1: reference to ritual actions as a valid path for certain ends.

Tad etat satyam — this truth. The previous teaching on the supreme state of stillness.

Mantraṣu karmāṇi — the actions in the mantras. Rituals codified in the Veda.

Kavayaḥ — the seers, the visionary poets. Those who perceived the correct forms.

Tretāyāṃ bahudhā saṃtatāni — manifested in various ways in the Tretā age. The historical expansion of ritual tradition.

Niyataṃ — faithfully, with regularity. Ritual requires precision and commitment.

Satyakāmāḥ — O seekers of truth. Those who seek ṛta, cosmic order.

Sukṛtasya loke — the world of good action. Elevated worlds but still within manifestation.

The text recognizes relative validity to ritual, but has already transcended it with the teaching of parā vidyā.