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The Yoga of the Threefold Faith
Chapter 17, Verses 1-28
Summary of Chapter 17
Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita, titled “Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga” or “The Yoga of the Threefold Faith,” explores how individuals’ faith reflects their inherent nature. Lord Krishna categorizes faith into three types based on the three Gunas (qualities): Sattvic (pure), Rajasic (passionate), and Tamasic (ignorant). He explains that a person’s faith aligns with their dominant Guna, influencing their worship, food habits, sacrifices, penances, and charities. Krishna emphasizes that practices done with sincerity and faith, even if not in strict accordance with scriptures, are beneficial, but warns against practices motivated by hypocrisy or ego.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 17
In the contemporary world, Chapter 17’s insights into the nature of faith and its expressions are highly relevant. It underscores the diversity of spiritual practices and beliefs, highlighting that personal sincerity and intent are as important as following traditional or prescribed rituals. The chapter encourages respect for different forms of worship and lifestyles, acknowledging the varied ways in which people express their spirituality. This understanding fosters tolerance and inclusivity in a multicultural and pluralistic society. Additionally, the emphasis on the purity of intention behind actions is a crucial lesson for contemporary times, where actions are often driven by external validation rather than intrinsic values.
The Nature of Faith (Chapter 17, Verses 1-3)
Arjuna asks Krishna about those who worship with faith but do not follow scriptural injunctions. Krishna explains that everyone’s faith corresponds to their inherent nature, which can be sattvic, rajasic, or tamasic.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 17, Verses 1-3
This section reflects on how personal beliefs and practices are deeply influenced by one’s nature and temperament. In modern times, it suggests the importance of understanding and respecting diverse perspectives and spiritual expressions.
17.1 (Chapter 17, Verse 1): Arjuna inquires, “O Krishna, what is the situation of those who do not follow the principles of scripture but worship according to their own imagination? Are they in goodness, in passion, or in ignorance?”
17.2 (Chapter 17, Verse 2): Krishna replies, “According to the modes of nature acquired by the embodied soul, one’s faith can be of three kinds – in goodness, in passion, or in ignorance. Now hear about these.”
17.3 (Chapter 17, Verse 3): He continues, “O son of Bharata, according to one’s existence under the various modes of nature, one evolves a particular kind of faith. The living being is said to be of a particular faith according to the modes he has acquired.”
Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic Worship (Chapter 17, Verses 4-6)
Krishna describes how individuals of different natures worship different types of gods. Sattvic people worship the gods; rajasic people worship demons and power; tamasic people worship ghosts and spirits
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 17, Verses 4-6
These verses highlight how the nature of one’s faith reflects their personality and values. In today’s context, it underscores the diversity of religious and spiritual practices and the need for tolerance and understanding of various belief systems.
17.4 (Chapter 17, Verse 4): Krishna explains, “Men in the mode of goodness worship the demigods; those in the mode of passion worship the demons; and those in the mode of ignorance worship ghosts and spirits.”
17.5 (Chapter 17, Verse 5): He continues, “Those who undergo severe austerities and penances not recommended in the scriptures, performing them out of pride and egoism, who are impelled by lust and attachment, who are foolish and who torture the material elements of the body as well as the Supersoul dwelling within, are to be known as demons.”
17.6 (Chapter 17, Verse 6): Krishna adds, “Those who perform severe austerities and penances not recommended in the scriptures, who are given to hypocrisy and pride, who are lustful, attached, and have impure motives, and who torture their bodily organs as well as the Supersoul dwelling within, are considered to be of demonic resolve.”
The Three Types of Food (Chapter 17, Verses 7-10)
Krishna discusses the three types of food preferred by people of each guna: sattvic people prefer foods that promote health and vitality; rajasic people prefer spicy, bitter, and salty foods; tamasic people prefer stale, tasteless, and impure foods.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 17, Verses 7-10
This theme resonates with modern understandings of nutrition and lifestyle choices. It suggests that dietary preferences are not just physical but are also influenced by mental and spiritual states, affecting overall well-being.
17.7 (Chapter 17, Verse 7): Krishna states, “Even the food each person prefers is of three kinds, according to the three modes of material nature. The same is true of sacrifices, austerities, and charity. Now listen to the distinctions between them.”
17.8 (Chapter 17, Verse 8): He describes, “Foods dear to those in the mode of goodness increase the duration of life, purify one’s existence, and give strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction. Such foods are juicy, fatty, wholesome, and pleasing to the heart.”
17.9 (Chapter 17, Verse 9): Krishna continues, “Foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry, and burning are dear to those in the mode of passion. Such foods cause pain, distress, and disease.”
17.10 (Chapter 17, Verse 10): He concludes, “Food cooked more than three hours before being eaten, food that is tasteless, decomposed and putrid, and food consisting of remnants and untouchable things is dear to those in the mode of darkness.”
The Three Types of Sacrifice (Chapter 17, Verses 11-13)
Krishna categorizes sacrifices according to the gunas. Sattvic sacrifices are performed with no desire for reward and according to duty; rajasic sacrifices are performed ostentatiously for show; tamasic sacrifices lack faith and disregard the scriptural rules.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 17, Verses 11-13
These verses teach about the intentions behind actions. In contemporary life, it encourages performing duties and acts of charity with sincerity and humility rather than for personal gain or recognition.
17.11 (Chapter 17, Verse 11): Krishna explains, “Of sacrifices, the sacrifice performed according to the directions of scripture, as a matter of duty, by those who desire no reward, is of the nature of goodness.”
17.12 (Chapter 17, Verse 12): He continues, “But the sacrifice performed for some material benefit, or for the sake of pride, O chief of the Bharatas, you should know to be in the mode of passion.”
17.13 (Chapter 17, Verse 13): Krishna adds, “And that sacrifice performed in defiance of scriptural injunctions, in which no spiritual food is distributed, no hymns are chanted, and no remunerations are made to priests, and which is faithless – that sacrifice is of the nature of ignorance.”
The Three Types of Austerity (Chapter 17, Verses 14-19)
Krishna explains austerity of body, speech, and mind, categorized by the gunas. Sattvic austerity includes reverence, cleanliness, and discipline; rajasic austerity is performed for honor or gain; tamasic austerity is performed out of ignorance and causes harm.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 17, Verses 14-19
This section underlines the importance of self-discipline and purity in thought, word, and deed. It encourages practices that promote mental, verbal, and physical purity, leading to a more balanced and ethical lifestyle.
17.14 (Chapter 17, Verse 14): “Austerity of the body consists in worship of the Supreme Lord, the brahmanas, the spiritual master, and superiors like the father and mother, and in cleanliness, simplicity, celibacy, and nonviolence.”
17.15 (Chapter 17, Verse 15): “Austerity of speech consists in speaking words that are truthful, pleasing, beneficial, and not agitating to others, and also in regularly reciting Vedic literature.”
17.16 (Chapter 17, Verse 16): “And serenity, simplicity, gravity, self-control, and purity of thought are the austerities of the mind.”
17.17 (Chapter 17, Verse 17): “This threefold austerity, practiced by men whose aim is not to benefit themselves materially but to please the Supreme, is of the nature of goodness.”
17.18 (Chapter 17, Verse 18): “Penance performed out of pride and for the sake of gaining respect, honor, and worship is said to be in the mode of passion. It is neither stable nor permanent.”
17.19 (Chapter 17, Verse 19): “Penance performed out of foolishness, with self-torture or to destroy or injure others, is said to be in the mode of ignorance.”
The Three Types of Charity (Chapter 17, Verses 20-22)
Charity is also divided according to the gunas. Sattvic charity is given at the right time and place to a worthy person; rajasic charity is given reluctantly or with the expectation of return; tamasic charity is given at an inappropriate place or time to unworthy persons.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 17, Verses 20-22
These verses emphasize the spirit of giving. In today’s world, it highlights the importance of generosity, done with the right intention and discernment, enhancing the quality and impact of charitable acts.
Conclusion on Faith and Om Tat Sat (Chapter 17, Verses 23-28)
The chapter concludes with Krishna stating that faith in sacrifices, austerities, and charities is born from the gunas. He ends by explaining the significance of the sacred syllable Om and the phrase Tat Sat.
The Contemporary Wisdom Chapter 17, Verses 23-28
The conclusion ties faith to the universal essence represented by Om and Tat Sat. In modern interpretation, it suggests aligning our actions with universal truths and principles, bringing a deeper meaning and coherence to our spiritual practices.
17.23: Chapter 17, verse 23: This verse introduces the threefold name of the Supreme Being – “Om Tat Sat,” which signifies the absolute truth and is used by sages while chanting Vedic hymns and performing sacrificial rites.
17.24: Chapter 17, verse 24: Here, it is explained that actions such as sacrifice, charity, and penance are performed by seekers of the Absolute Truth beginning with the utterance of “Om,” according to the scriptural injunctions.
17.25: Chapter 17, verse 25: This verse discusses the use of the word “Tat” (meaning “That”) without aiming for rewards in activities like sacrifice, austerities, and charity, which are performed by those desiring liberation.
17.26: Chapter 17, verse 26: The verse elaborates on the use of “Sat” in sacrifices, austerities, and charity, as well as in actions that are performed as a matter of duty, signifying the reality and goodness of these acts.
17.27: Chapter 17, verse 27: It is noted that steadfastness in sacrifice, austerity, and charity, as well as in other actions, is also termed “Sat,” and anything done without faith is termed “Asat” and is neither beneficial in this world nor in the afterlife.
17.28: Chapter 17, verse 28: This verse concludes that any sacrifice, austerities, or charitable deed performed without faith are considered “Asat” (meaning non-existent or false), stating that they have no standing in the next world nor in this.