What are the three types of faith in the Bhagavad Gita?

The three types are Sattvic (pure/divine), Rajasic (passionate/active), and Tamasic (dark/ignorant).

How does food relate to spirituality in Chapter 17?

The Gita explains that Sattvic people prefer healthy, pure food; Rajasic prefer spicy or bitter food; and Tamasic prefer stale or impure food.

The Yoga of the Threefold Faith - Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17

Threefold is the faith of men: Sattvic (pure), Rajasic (passionate) or Tamasic (dark). Bhagavad Gita

Courses: Bhagavad Gita - Jnana Yoga

In the seventeenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, titled Shraddha Traya Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Threefold Faith), Lord Krishna reveals a profound psychological truth: "A man is what his faith is." This chapter explores how our innate nature—governed by the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas)—dictates our faith, our worship, our speech, and even the food we consume.

Expert Pedro Nonell, a specialist in Vedanta, the Bhagavad Gita, and the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda, provides a detailed analysis of how these three modes of material nature influence every aspect of human life. Understanding this threefold division is essential for any seeker looking to purify their character and move closer to the realization of God.

This chapter is available in English and Spanish translation by Pedro Nonell.

Pedro Nonell, expert in Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta
Professor: Pedro Nonell (Expert and translator into Spanish of the Bhagavad Gita and Vivekananda)

Chapter 17 Bhagavad Gita: Shraddha Traya Vibhaga - Gandhi

Bhagavad Gita Training, Gandhi, comments Sivananda (Spanish) Philosophy of Yoga
translated into Spanish by Pedro Nonell
Comments by Swami Sivananda

Download Pedro Nonell's free Spanish translation of Gita according to Gandhi

Outline of the Subject

Content - Chapter 17- The Yoga of the Threefold Faith (Jnana Philosophy, Bhagavad Gita)

The Bhagavad Gita is Yoga-Shastra

Read the first fifteen verses of this chapter

Arjuna said:

1. What then, O Krishna, is the state of those who abandon the rule of Sastra and still remain in faith? Is it Sattva, Rajas or Tamas?

The Lord said:

2. Triple is the faith of men, inherent in their nature, Sattva (pure), Rajas (passionate) or Tamas (dark). Hear about them.

3. Every man's faith is in accordance with his innate character; man is made of faith; whatever may be the object of his faith, still it is he.

First Shlokas

4. Sattvic (pure) people worship gods; the Rajas, yakshas and rakshasas; and the others, the Tamas, worship ghosts and spirits.

5. Those men who, linked to pretension and arrogance, possessed by the violence of lust and passion, practice cruel austerities not commanded by Sastra;

6. They, while they torture the various elements that make up their bodies, also torture Me, the I dwelling in them; know them for being of impious purposes.

7. As I explained to you before, the food that each one appreciates is of three types; so are sacrifice, austerity and charity. Hear how they differ.

8. Those foods that add years to life, that give vitality, strength, health, happiness and appetite; which are tasty, rich, substantial and pleasant, are loved by the Sattvic.

9. Those foods that are bitter, sour, salty, pungent, spicy, dry, burning and that cause pain, bitterness and illness, are highly appreciated by the rajas.

10. Food that has become cold, tasteless, putrid, rancid, discarded and unfit for sacrifice, is prized by the Tamas.

11. That sacrifice is Sattvic when it is offered voluntarily as a duty, without desire for its fruits and in accordance with the rule.

12. But when the sacrifice is offered with fruit in mind and for display, you must know, O Bharatashreshtha, that it is Rajas.

13. The sacrifice that is contrary to the rule, that produces no food, that lacks the sacred text (mantras), faith and offerings, is said to be Tamas.

14. Pay homage to the gods, the Brahmins, the gurus and the wise men; Purity, righteousness, Brahmacharya and Nonviolence (Ahimsa) constitute the austerity (tapas) of the body.

15. Those words that do no harm, that are truly loving and gentle, and spiritual study (of the Vedas), constitute austerity of speech.

Etc.

Thus concludes the seventeenth chapter, entitled Shraddha Traya Vibhaga Yoga.

dialogue Krishna and Arjuna, Science Philosophy of Yoga Brahman, Upanishad Bhagavad Gita

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is "Shraddha" and why is it important?

Shraddha is often translated as "faith," but it encompasses one's deep-seated convictions and character. Lord Krishna teaches that our faith determines our destiny and our spiritual path.

How do the Three Gunas affect our daily life?

The Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas) influence everything from our dietary choices to our way of speaking and performing charity. Sattva leads to peace and knowledge, Rajas to activity and desire, and Tamas to lethargy and delusion.

What is the "Austerity of Speech" mentioned in this chapter?

Austerity of speech consists of speaking words that are truthful, kind, beneficial, and non-agitating. It also includes the regular study of spiritual scriptures.

Conclusion

The study of the Threefold Faith provides us with a mirror to examine our own nature. By categorizing our actions and beliefs into the three Gunas, the Bhagavad Gita offers a practical guide to self-improvement.

Following the expert interpretations of Pedro Nonell and the spiritual light of Vivekananda, we learn that by consciously choosing Sattvic habits—in our food, our speech, and our faith—we purify our hearts. This purification is the essential prerequisite for experiencing the presence of God and achieving lasting inner peace.