Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita, titled “Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga” or “The Yoga of the Threefold Division of Faith”, delves into the topic of the threefold division of faith, sacrifice, and austerity, categorized according to the modes of material nature – goodness, passion, and ignorance. Arjuna, seeking clarity, asks Lord Krishna about the nature of those who deviate from scriptural injunctions yet perform sacrifices with faith. Krishna responds by explaining the three types of faith and how they manifest in various aspects of life.
Krishna begins by outlining the three types of faith: sattvic (goodness), rajasic (passion), and tamasic (ignorance). He explains that an individual’s faith is determined by their innate nature and influences their actions and attitudes. Those with sattvic faith worship celestial deities, while those with rajasic faith worship demi-gods and demons, and those with tamasic faith worship ghosts and spirits. Moving on to the topic of food, Krishna categorizes it into three types based on its effect on the body and mind. Sattvic food promotes longevity, health, and happiness, while rajasic food leads to pain and disease, and tamasic food is stale, impure, and lacking in nutrients. Krishna then discusses the nature of sacrifice, charity, and austerity. Sacrifices performed according to scriptural injunctions, without expectation of reward and with a sense of duty, are considered in the mode of goodness. Sacrifices performed for material gain or with ostentation are in the mode of passion, while those disregarding scriptural injunctions and lacking faith are in the mode of ignorance. Austerity, both of the body and mind, is also classified into three types. Austerity performed with firm faith, without desire for rewards, is in the mode of goodness. Austerity performed with expectation of rewards is in the mode of passion, while austerity performed with foolish understanding or self-torture is in the mode of ignorance. Krishna then discusses the nature of charity, emphasizing that giving without expectation of return, to the right person and at the right place and time, is in the mode of goodness. Giving with expectation of reward or reluctance is in the mode of passion, while giving at the wrong place and time, without regard for spiritual principles, is in the mode of ignorance. Krishna explains the significance of the sacred phrase “Om Tat Sat” as the triple expression of the Supreme Absolute Truth, representing the Brahman. Acts of sacrifice, charity, and austerity are initiated with the utterance of “Om,” performed without expectation of personal gain upon uttering “Tat,” and praised as praiseworthy actions with the word “Sat.” In summary, Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita provides insights into the nature of faith, sacrifice, charity, and austerity, categorizing them according to the modes of material nature. It emphasizes the importance of performing actions with the right intention, without attachment to results, and in alignment with spiritual principles for ultimate liberation.