Chapter XVIII
The Yoga of Classification of the Threefold Faith
This chapter discusses faith and fate of men who perform austere penance not enjoined by the scriptures. It also describes different types of foods, sacrifice, penance, and the meaning and intention of uttering “ Om Tat Sat”. Arjuna asks Lord Krishna that the person endowed with faith worship gods and others casting aside the injunction of the scriptures, where do they stand- in Sattva, Rajas or Tamas. Shri Bhagwan replied that He would tell about the untutored faith of men is of three kinds- Sattvika, Rajasika and Tamasika. The faith of all men confirms to their mental constitution. Men of Sattvika disposition worship God, those of Rajasika temperament worship demigods and demons, while others who are men of Tamasika nature worship the spirit of the dead and group of ghosts. Men who practice dire penance of an arbitrary type, not sanctioned by the scriptures, and who are full of hypocrisy and egotism, and are obsessed with desire, attachment and pride of power; and who emaciate the elements constituting their body as well as God- the supreme spirit dwelling in their heart- know these senseless people to have a demoniac disposition. Food,also which is agreeable to different men according to their innate disposition is of three kinds. And likewise sacrifice, penance and charity too are of three kinds. Foods which promote longevity,intelligence, vigour, health, happiness and cheerfulness which are sweet and bland, substantial and naturally agreeable are dear to the Sattvika type of men. Food which are bitter, acie, salty, over hot pungent, dry and burning and which causes suffering, grief and sickness are dear to Rajasika type of men. Food which is half cooked or half ripe, insipid, putrid, stale, polluted and impure is dear to men of Tamasika temperament. Likewise the sacrifice which is offered, as ordained by scriptural injunctions by men who expect no return and who believe that such sacrifices must be performed is Satvika in character. That sacrifice which is offered for the sake of mere show or even with an eye to its fruit, know it to be Rajasika. A sacrifice which has no respect for scriptural injunctions in which no food is offered, and no sacrificial fees are paid, which is without sacred chant, and devoid of faith is said to be Tamasika. Worship of Gods, the Brahmans, one’s elders, and wise men, purity, straightforwardness, continence and harmlessness is called bodily penance. Words which cause no arrogance to others and are truthful, agreeable and wholesome, as well as the study of the Vedas and other Shastras and the practice of repetition of the Divine name is known as austerity of speech. Cheerfulness of mind, placidity, habit of contemplation on God, control of the mind and perfect purity of inner feelings- all this is called austerity of mind. This threefold penance performed with supreme faith by Yogis expecting no return is called Satvika type. The penance which is performed for the sake of renown, honour and worship as well as for any other selfish gain either in all sincerity or byway of ostentation and yields an uncertain and momentary fruit is known to be Rajasika. Austerity which is practised through perversity, and is accompanied with self mortification or is intended to harm others, such austerity is declared to be as Tamasika. A gift which is bestowed with a sense of duty on one who is no benefactor when a fit place, suitable time, and a deserving person is available that gift has been pronounced as Sattvika. A gift which is bestowed with a grudging spirit and with the object of getting a service in return or in the hope of obtaining a reward is called Rajasika. And a gift which is made without good grace and in a disdainful spirit out of time and place and to undeserving person is said to be Tamasika. Om, Tat, Sat has been declared as threefold appellation of the Absolute, who is Truth, Consciousness and Bliss solidified. By that were the Brahmans, and the Vedas as well as Sacrifices were created at Cosmic Dawn. So the acts of sacrifice, charity and austerity as enjoined by sacred precepts are always commenced by the noble souls given to the recitation of Vedic Chants with utterance of the divine name OM. With the idea that all this belongs to God, who is denoted by the appellation Tat, acts of sacrifice and austerity as well as acts of charity of various kinds are performed by the seekers of blessedness expecting no return for them. The name of God Sat is used the sense of truth and goodness and in sense of praiseworthy act and steadfastness in sacrifice, austerity, and charity is likewise spoken of as Sat and the action for the sake of God is verily is termed as Sat. An oblation which is offered, a gift given, an austerity practised, and whatever good deed is performed without faith is all termed as naught therefore it is of no use here or hereafter.
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