Chapter 17 Verse 7
Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog
आहारस्त्वपि सर्वस्य त्रिविधो भवति प्रियः।यज्ञस्तपस्तथा दानं तेषां भेदमिमं श्रृणु।।17.7।।
āhāras tv api sarvasya tri-vidho bhavati priyaḥ yajñas tapas tathā dānaṁ teṣhāṁ bhedam imaṁ śhṛiṇu
Word Meanings
| āhāraḥ | food |
| tu | indeed |
| api | even |
| sarvasya | of all |
| tri-vidhaḥ | of three kinds |
| bhavati | is |
| priyaḥ | dear |
| yajñaḥ | sacrifice |
| tapaḥ | austerity |
| tathā | and |
| dānam | charity |
| teṣhām | of them |
| bhedam | distinctions |
| imam | this |
| śhṛiṇu | hear |
Translation
The food that is dear to each is threefold, as well as sacrifice, austerity, and almsgiving. Hear the distinction of these.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that four areas of life—food, sacrifice (acts offered to the sacred), austerity (self-discipline), and charity—each come in three kinds. The three kinds point to the quality behind them: pure and life-giving; driven by desire or restlessness; or dulling and harmful.
In other words, it is not just what you do but how and why you do it that matters. A simple meal, a disciplined practice, an act of giving, or a ritual can either uplift you, bind you, or cloud you depending on your motive and manner.
Spiritually, this teaches that inner quality matters more than outward form. By choosing purity of intention and clarity of action, everyday things become steps toward freedom rather than causes of confusion.
Life Application
- Choose foods and habits that make you calm and alert (fresh, simple, balanced) rather than heavy or overstimulating.
- Give, help, or perform rituals with kindness and without craving praise or return; focus on benefit rather than self-interest.
- Practice discipline gently and with awareness—avoid extremes driven by guilt or showiness, and prefer steady, clear effort.
Reflection Question
When I eat, give, or practice, am I seeking clarity and service, or comfort and praise?