XVII - Threefold Faith

Lord Krishna said: The natural faith of embodied beings is of three kinds: goodness, passion, and ignorance. Now hear about these from Me. (17.02) O Arjuna, the faith of each is in accordance with one’s own natural disposition that is governed by Karmic impressions. A person is known by faith. One can become whatever one wants to be, if one constantly contemplates on the object of desire with faith. (17.03)

People in the mode of goodness:

• Like healthy, juicy foods;
• Undertake selfless work without attachment to the result (austerity of deed);
• Worship celestial controlling forces (guardian angels, Devas or Gods);
• Speak inoffensively, in a pleasant, beneficial, and truthful manner (austerity of speech) (17.15);
• Study scriptures;
• Are gentle, equanimous, think pure thoughts, exercise self control (austerity of thought);
• Give charity as a matter of duty, to deserving candidates, without any expectation.

In the mode of passion, people:

• Like food that is extreme in taste (overly spicy, salty, or sweet);
• Worship supernatural rulers and demons;
• Perform selfless service (austerity) for show, to gain respect, honor, or reverence that yields uncertain and temporary results (17.18);
• Give charity with expectation of something in return.

People in the mode of ignorance:

• Enjoy unhealthy food and drinks;
• Worship ghosts and spirits;
• Are hypocritical and egoistic;
• Perform austerity with self-torture, or for harming others;
• Give charity to the unworthy.

Whatever is done without faith whether it is sacrifice, charity, austerity, or any other act is useless. It has no value here or hereafter, O Arjuna. (17.28)

Abbreviated By Harry Bhalla.
The numbers in parentheses are the chapter numbers and verse numbers respectively, of the Bhagavad-Gita. If any of this interests you, please visit: www.gita-society.com OR www.gita4free.com

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