Chapter 17, Verse 7 (Bhagavad Gita 17.7)
Chapter 17: Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog – Yoga through Discerning the Three Divisions of Faith
Sanskrit Shloka
आहारस्त्वपि सर्वस्य त्रिविधो भवति प्रियः।यज्ञस्तपस्तथा दानं तेषां भेदमिमं श्रृणु
Transliteration
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 charity. Hear now the distinctions of these from Me.
Meaning & Commentary
In this verse, Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, reveals that the nature of a living entity is reflected in their fundamental choices, such as food, sacrifice, penance, and charity. By categorizing these into three modes of material nature—sattva, rajas, and tamas—Lord Krishna provides a diagnostic tool for the soul to understand its current consciousness. This divine classification is not merely intellectual; it is an invitation from the Lord for the seeker to transcend lower modes and align their life with the mode of goodness. Through this knowledge, one learns to consciously choose paths that purify the heart and lead toward the ultimate goal of liberation. Ultimately, Shri Krishna teaches that even our most mundane habits are stepping stones that, when directed by His divine instruction, can lead the soul back to its eternal home.