Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17
Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga — శ్రద్ధాత్రయ విభాగ యోగం
28 verses · The Three Types of Faith
Krishna classifies faith (shraddha) according to the three gunas — Sattvic faith (worship of gods, scripture-based), Rajasic faith (worship of yakshas, ego-based), Tamasic faith (worship of ghosts, ignorance-based). He then categorizes food, sacrifice, charity, austerity, and even speech by guna. The famous "Om Tat Sat" formula concludes the chapter — these three syllables are the highest indicators of the Brahman.
Key Verse
ॐ तत्सदिति निर्देशो ब्रह्मणस्त्रिविधः स्मृतः — Om Tat Sat — this is the threefold designation of Brahman.
Oṃ Tat Sad iti nirdeśo Brahmaṇas tri-vidhaḥ smṛtaḥ
ఓం తత్ సత్ — ఇది బ్రహ్మను సూచించే మూడు అక్షరాలు
Spiritual Lesson
Use "Om Tat Sat" to mark the beginning and end of any spiritual practice — it sanctifies the action as a Brahman-offering.
Chapter Summary
Krishna classifies faith (shraddha) according to the three gunas — Sattvic faith (worship of gods, scripture-based), Rajasic faith (worship of yakshas, ego-based), Tamasic faith (worship of ghosts, ignorance-based). He then categorizes food, sacrifice, charity, austerity, and even speech by guna. The famous "Om Tat Sat" formula concludes the chapter — these three syllables are the highest indicators of the Brahman.