Chapter 17 Verse 2
Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog
श्री भगवानुवाचत्रिविधा भवति श्रद्धा देहिनां सा स्वभावजा।सात्त्विकी राजसी चैव तामसी चेति तां श्रृणु।।17.2।।
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha tri-vidhā bhavati śhraddhā dehināṁ sā svabhāva-jā sāttvikī rājasī chaiva tāmasī cheti tāṁ śhṛiṇu
Word Meanings
| śhrī-bhagavān uvācha | the Supreme Personality said |
| tri-vidhā | of three kinds |
| bhavati | is |
| śhraddhā | faith |
| dehinām | embodied beings |
| sā | which |
| sva-bhāva-jā | born of one’s innate nature |
| sāttvikī | of the mode of goodness |
| rājasī | of the mode of passion |
| cha | and |
| eva | certainly |
| tāmasī | of the mode of ignorance |
| cha | and |
| iti | thus |
| tām | about this |
| śhṛiṇu | hear |
Translation
The Blessed Lord said, "There are threefold faiths inherent in the nature of the embodied: the sattvic (pure), the rajasic (passionate), and the tamasic (dark). Hear of them."
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse tells us that faith is not the same in everyone. It grows from a person’s nature and appears in three ways: sattvic (pure), rajasic (driven by desire), and tamasic (clouded or dull).
Sattvic faith is calm, clear, and leads to truth and steady action. Rajasic faith is active but often restless, pushing us toward personal goals and rewards. Tamasic faith is confused or inert, keeping people stuck in wrong beliefs or inaction.
Knowing these types helps us see why people believe and act differently. It also shows that faith can be changed by working on our habits and choices.
Life Application
- Notice your motive before you act: is it calm and wise, restless and self-centered, or lazy and confused? Small awareness reveals your dominant faith.
- Build sattvic faith with simple daily practices: honest work, quiet reflection or meditation, and learning truths that calm the mind.
- Reduce rajasic/tamasic habits by slowing down impulsive choices, limiting harmful media or company, and keeping regular sleep and routine.
Reflection Question
Which type of faith mostly guides my choices right now — calm truth, restless desire, or dull confusion?