Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17: Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga

Introduction to Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga

The seventeenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is titled Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga, or The Yoga of the Threefold Division of Faith. This chapter addresses a fundamental question: What determines the quality of a person's faith? Arjuna, in his characteristic inquisitiveness, asks Krishna about those who worship with faith but disregard the scriptural injunctions. Are they situated in goodness, passion, or ignorance? This question leads to a comprehensive analysis of the nature of faith and how it manifests in different aspects of human life. Krishna explains that every person is born with a particular faith, which is determined by their essential nature or sattva. Faith is not merely a mental attitude but the very fabric of one's being. As is the faith, so is the person. The chapter then proceeds to classify faith according to the three gunas or modes of material nature: sattva or goodness, rajas or passion, and tamas or ignorance.

The Three Types of Faith

Those situated in the mode of goodness worship the divine forms and principles that lead to liberation. Their faith is pure, steady, and directed toward the truth. They worship gods and goddesses who represent various aspects of the divine. Those in the mode of passion worship celestial beings like yakshas and rakshasas, seeking power, wealth, and worldly achievements. Their faith is driven by desire and ambition. Those in the mode of ignorance worship ghosts, spirits, and elemental forces. Their faith is characterized by fear, superstition, and darkness. Krishna emphasizes that the object of worship is not as important as the quality of faith with which one worships. However, he clearly indicates that the highest path leads to the worship of the supreme divine.

Three Types of Food

Krishna then categorizes food according to the three gunas. Foods in the mode of goodness increase the duration of life, purify one's existence, and give strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction. These are juicy, fatty, wholesome, and pleasing foods. Examples include fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, milk, and ghee. Foods in the mode of passion are too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry, and burning, causing pain, distress, and disease. These include overly spicy foods, fried foods, and foods consumed in excess. Foods in the mode of ignorance are stale, tasteless, putrid, and impure, such as leftover food and food that is not offered with reverence. This classification serves as a practical guide for dietary choices that support spiritual progress.

Three Types of Sacrifice

The chapter continues with an analysis of sacrifice or yajna according to the three gunas. Sacrifice performed according to scriptural injunctions, without expectation of reward, and with a focused mind is in the mode of goodness. Sacrifice performed for show, for material benefit, or with pride is in the mode of passion. Sacrifice performed without regard for scriptural rules, without distribution of food, without chanting of hymns, and without faith is in the mode of ignorance. Similarly, austerity of the body, speech, and mind is classified according to the three gunas. Austerity practiced with faith, without desire for reward, is in goodness. Austerity practiced for fame, respect, and admiration is in passion. Austerity practiced with foolishness, self-torture, or to harm others is in ignorance.

The food which is dear to those in the mode of goodness increases the duration of life, purifies one's existence and gives strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. - Bhagavad Gita 17.8

Three Types of Charity

Charity or dana is also classified threefold. Charity given as a matter of duty, without expectation of return, at the proper time and place, and to a worthy person is in the mode of goodness. Charity given reluctantly or with the expectation of reciprocal benefit is in the mode of passion. Charity given at an impure place, at an improper time, to unworthy persons, or without proper attention and respect is in the mode of ignorance. The chapter culminates with the profound statement that the sacred syllable Om Tat Sat represents the three aspects of the absolute truth. Om represents the primordial sound, Tat refers to the supreme reality, and Sat denotes existence and goodness. All acts of sacrifice, austerity, and charity should be performed with the utterance of Om Tat Sat to ensure they are aligned with the highest spiritual purpose.

Practical Wisdom from Chapter Seventeen

This chapter provides a comprehensive framework for self-examination. By observing our preferences in food, our manner of performing duties, our charitable activities, and our practices of self-discipline, we can determine which guna predominates in our nature. This awareness allows us to consciously shift from ignorance to passion and from passion to goodness. The ultimate goal is to transcend all three gunas entirely and establish oneself in pure spiritual consciousness. The chapter serves as a practical guide for daily living, reminding us that every aspect of life, from the food we eat to the charity we give, affects our spiritual evolution.