Chapter 17 - The Divisions of Faith

[Bhava dasa (ACBSP)]

Summary Outline of Bhagavad-gita As It Is: Chapter 17 – The Three Divisions of Faith
(Śraddhā-Traya-Vibhāga Yoga)

In Chapter 17, Krishna explains how faith (śraddhā) is influenced by the three modes of material nature (guṇas) and how it determines one’s worship, food habits, sacrifices, austerities, and charity. He teaches how to cultivate pure faith that leads to spiritual progress.

1. Faith According to the Three Modes (Verses 1-6)
• Arjuna asks about those who worship outside scriptural injunctions—whether their faith is sattvic (pure), rajasic (passionate), or tamasic (ignorant).
• Krishna explains:
• Sattvic faith – Worship of demigods, spiritual practices aligned with scriptures.
• Rajasic faith – Worship of powerful beings for material gains.
• Tamasic faith – Worship of ghosts, spirits, or dark forces, often with harmful rituals.

2. Food in the Three Modes (Verses 7-10)
• Sattvic food – Increases health, strength, and happiness; fresh, pure, vegetarian, and offered to Krishna.
• Rajasic food – Overly spicy, bitter, sour, or stimulating; causes agitation and distress.
• Tamasic food – Stale, rotten, impure, or obtained by violence; leads to ignorance and suffering.

3. Sacrifice (Yajña) in the Three Modes (Verses 11-13)
• Sattvic sacrifice – Performed according to scriptures, with devotion, without material motives.
• Rajasic sacrifice – Done for fame and recognition, with a desire for rewards.
• Tamasic sacrifice – Done without scriptural authority, with ignorance, and often harmful intent.

4. Austerity (Tapas) in the Three Modes (Verses 14-19)
• Sattvic austerity – Done with purity, self-control, and devotion to Krishna.
• Rajasic austerity – Performed with ego, pride, and the desire for respect or personal gain.
• Tamasic austerity – Done with self-torture, harming oneself or others, without higher purpose.

Austerity is divided into three:
1. Austerity of the body – Worship of God, cleanliness, simplicity.
2. Austerity of speech – Truthfulness, pleasing words, reciting scriptures.
3. Austerity of the mind – Serenity, self-control, purity of thought.

5. Charity (Dāna) in the Three Modes (Verses 20-22)
• Sattvic charity – Given selflessly, to the right recipient, at the right time, without expecting anything in return.
• Rajasic charity – Given for recognition, prestige, or personal gain.
• Tamasic charity – Given improperly, at the wrong time, to unworthy recipients, or with disrespect.

6. The Power of “Om Tat Sat” (Verses 23-28)
• “Om Tat Sat” are three transcendental syllables representing the Absolute Truth.
• Om – Represents the Supreme Lord and is used in Vedic sacrifices.
• Tat – Signifies selfless acts done for Krishna.
• Sat – Represents truth, goodness, and acts that lead to eternal benefit.
• Any act not based on these principles is temporary and ultimately fruitless.

Conclusion

Chapter 17 teaches how faith and actions are influenced by the modes of nature:
1. Faith determines worship, lifestyle, and ultimate destination.
2. Food, sacrifice, austerity, and charity must align with sattvic (pure) principles for spiritual progress.
3. Spiritual activities should be performed in devotion to Krishna, following scriptural guidance.
4. The sacred syllables “Om Tat Sat” purify all acts and ensure their spiritual success.

This chapter leads to Chapter 18, the final chapter, where Krishna summarizes the entire Bhagavad-gita and instructs Arjuna to surrender fully to Him.