17-1

Arjuna asked: O Krishna, what is the state of those who do not follow the principles of scripture but worship according to their imagination? Are they in goodness, passion, or ignorance?

Explanation: In this verse, Arjuna asks Krishna about the state of those people who do not perform worship according to the principles of scripture, but according to their own imaginations and beliefs. He wants to find out whether such actions correspond to the quality of goodness, passion, or ignorance, thereby revealing the spiritual value of these actions.

17-2

The Supreme Lord said: According to the qualities that influence the nature of the embodied soul, faith can be divided into three kinds – goodness, passion, and ignorance. Now hear about them.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna replies that the faith of the embodied soul can be of three kinds depending on which qualities of material nature influence it – goodness, passion, or ignorance. He invites Arjuna to hear a more detailed explanation of how these qualities affect a person's faith and spiritual state.

17-3

O descendant of Bharata, the faith of each person corresponds to their nature, which is influenced by the material qualities. It is said that a person consists of their faith, and as is their faith, so are they themselves.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that each person's faith is directly related to their nature, which is formed and influenced by the qualities of material nature. A person's faith reflects their inner state, and it can be said that a person is what they believe in, and this faith determines their actions and spiritual path.

17-4

People in the quality of goodness worship the gods; those in the quality of passion worship the demons, but those in the quality of ignorance worship ghosts and spirits.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains how people, influenced by different qualities of material nature, choose different objects of worship. Those in the quality of goodness turn to the gods because their consciousness is pure and aspires to spirituality; those in the quality of passion worship demons because they are driven by the desire for power and material pleasures; while those in the quality of ignorance worship ghosts and spirits because their consciousness is darkened and they are unable to see higher truth.

17-5

Those who perform severe austerities not described in the scriptures, and do so driven by pride, egoism, lust, and attachment.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna begins to describe people who perform austerities driven by wrong motives. They perform severe austerities that are not in accordance with the instructions of the scriptures, and do so driven by pride, egoism, lust, and attachment, and such actions are not spiritual but based on incorrect understanding and material desires.

17-6

Those who are unintelligent and torture the material elements of which the body is composed, and the Supreme Soul dwelling within the body, are considered demons.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna continues the description of those who perform incorrect austerities, stating that such people act unintelligently and harm both the material elements of their body and the Supreme Soul dwelling within the body. Such actions are likened to demonic actions because they are contrary to spiritual principles and harm oneself and the Divine.

17-7

Even the food each person prefers is of three kinds, according to the three qualities of material nature. The same is true of sacrifice, austerity, and charity. Now hear about the distinctions among them.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that even the choice of food depends on the three qualities of material nature – goodness, passion, and ignorance. Similarly, sacrifice, austerity, and charity differ depending on which qualities influence these actions, and Krishna invites Arjuna to listen to a more detailed explanation of these differences.

17-8

Food that is dear to those in the mode of goodness increases the duration of life, purifies one’s existence and gives strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. Such food is juicy, fatty, wholesome, and pleasing to the heart.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes food that is pleasant and suitable for those influenced by the mode of goodness. Such food prolongs life, purifies a person's existence, gives strength, improves health, and also provides feelings of happiness and satisfaction. It is juicy, fatty, wholesome and pleasing to the heart, i.e., it creates positive feelings and emotions.

17-9

Foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry and burning are dear to those in the mode of passion. Such foods cause distress, grief, and disease.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes food that is pleasant to those influenced by the mode of passion. Such food is too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry, and burning, and it causes suffering, sadness, and illness because it is too intense and irritating, reflecting the destructive nature of the mode of passion.

17-10

Food prepared more than three hours before being eaten, food that is tasteless, that is decomposed and putrid, and food consisting of remnants and untouchable things is dear to those in the mode of darkness and ignorance.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes food that is pleasing to those influenced by the mode of ignorance and darkness. Such food is prepared long before eating, is tasteless, has begun to decompose, smells bad, consists of leftovers and unclean things, and this reflects the influence of the mode of ignorance on a person's choices and indicates spiritual and physical degradation.

17-11

Of sacrifices, the sacrifice performed according to the directions of scripture, as a matter of duty, by those who desire no reward, is of the nature of goodness.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes a sacrifice corresponding to the mode of goodness. Such a sacrifice is performed as a matter of duty, according to the directions of scripture, and is performed by people who do not desire any reward or personal gain, and this action is selfless and aimed at fulfilling spiritual duty.

17-12

But the sacrifice performed for some material benefit or for the sake of pride, O chief of the Bhāratas, know that to be in the mode of passion.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that a sacrifice performed with the aim of obtaining some material benefit or for the sake of vanity corresponds to the mode of passion. This type of sacrifice is not truly spiritual because it is focused on external gain and the gratification of personal ego.

17-13

Any sacrifice performed without regard for the directions of scripture, with no spiritual food distributed, without chanting of Vedic hymns, without donations to the priests, and without faith is said to be in the mode of ignorance.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes a sacrifice corresponding to the mode of ignorance. Such a sacrifice is performed without regard to the directions of scripture, it does not provide any spiritual pleasure, it is without faith and corresponds to the mode of ignorance, and this action is contrary to spiritual principles and does not correspond to the true essence of sacrifice.

17-14

Austerity of the body consists in worship of the Supreme Lord, the brāhmaṇas, the spiritual master, and superiors like the father and mother, and in cleanliness, simplicity, celibacy and nonviolence.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna begins to explain what bodily austerity is. It involves showing respect to the Supreme Lord, spiritual teachers, parents and elders, as well as observing cleanliness, honesty, spiritual abstinence and non-violence, and these actions help to discipline the body and prepare it for spiritual practice.

17-15

Austerity of speech consists in speaking words that are truthful, pleasing, beneficial, and not agitating to others, and also in regularly reciting Vedic literature.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains what the austerity of speech is. It means speaking truthful, pleasant, beneficial words that do not disturb or offend others, and the austerity of speech also includes the regular recitation of Vedic texts, which helps to purify the mind and fill it with spiritual knowledge.

17-16

And satisfaction, simplicity, seriousness, self-control and purification of one’s existence are the austerities of the mind.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes the austerity of the mind. It involves contentment with what one has, simplicity, seriousness, self-control and the purification of one's existence by getting rid of negative thoughts and emotions, and that the austerity of the mind helps to calm the mind and prepare it for deeper spiritual practice.

17-17

This threefold austerity, performed with transcendental faith by men not expecting material benefit but engaged only for the sake of the Supreme, is called austerity in goodness.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that threefold austerity (bodily, verbal, and mental), performed with transcendental faith by people who do not expect material benefit but act solely for the sake of the Supreme, corresponds to the quality of goodness. This austerity is focused on spiritual development and serving God, not on personal gain.

17-18

Austerity performed out of pride, in order to gain respect, honor, and worship, is called austerity in passion. It is neither enduring nor genuine.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes austerity corresponding to the quality of passion. Such austerity is performed out of pride, to gain respect, honor, and worship from others, and it is neither enduring nor genuine because it is not based on true spiritual motivation but on egoistic desires.

17-19

And austerity that is performed in foolishness, with self-torture or for the purpose of destroying or harming others, is said to be austerity in the quality of darkness.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes austerity corresponding to the quality of ignorance or darkness. Such austerity is performed in foolishness, with self-torture, or with the intention to destroy or harm others, and it is destructive and does not correspond to spiritual principles because it is based on ignorance and malice.

17-20

A gift given out of duty, without expectation of return, at the proper time and place, to a worthy person, is considered a gift in the quality of goodness.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes a gift corresponding to the quality of goodness. Such a gift is given out of duty, without any expectation of return, at the right time and place, and to a worthy person who will truly appreciate it and use it for spiritual growth, and this gift is selfless and comes from a pure heart.

17-21

But a gift that is given with expectation of reward, or with a desire for fruits, or given reluctantly, is considered a gift in the quality of passion.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes a gift corresponding to the quality of passion. Such a gift is given with the expectation of reward or with a desire for some favorable results in the future, and it may also be given reluctantly, without a genuine desire to help, and this gift is selfish and not based on spiritual principles.

17-22

And gifts that are given in an improper place, at an improper time, to unworthy persons, or without proper attention and respect, are considered gifts in the quality of darkness.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes a gift corresponding to the quality of ignorance or darkness. Such gifts are given in the wrong place and time, to unworthy people who will not appreciate them or will misuse them, and moreover, they are given without proper attention and respect, which indicates the giver's recklessness and spiritual ignorance.

17-23

From the beginning of creation, the three words – 'truth, the supreme essence, spirit' – were used to denote the Supreme Absolute Truth. These three words were used by the priests while chanting Vedic hymns and performing sacrifices to please the Supreme of all.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains the meaning of three words that have been used since the beginning of creation to denote the Supreme Absolute Truth. These words are "Om Tat Sat," which means "truth, the supreme essence, spirit," and they are used by priests while chanting Vedic hymns and performing sacrificial rituals to please the Supreme of all.

17-24

Therefore, the performers of transcendental rituals, who strive for the Supreme of all, always begin sacrifices, charity, and austerities with the word “truth,” in accordance with the directions of scripture.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that performers of transcendental rituals who strive for the Supreme always begin sacrifices, charity, and austerities with the word “truth,” which symbolizes the Supreme Absolute Truth. The word "tat" indicates the renunciation of the fruits that come from sacrifice, charity, and austerity. This practice is carried out in accordance with the directions of scripture to ensure that the rituals are performed correctly and with pure intention.

17-25

Without desiring fruitive results, various rituals of sacrifice, charity, and austerity must be performed, saying the word supreme essence. The purpose of such transcendental activities is to get liberation from material bondage.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that various rituals of sacrifice, charity, and austerity should be performed without the desire for material fruits, but with the word supreme essence, which indicates the dedication of the action to the Supreme Truth. The word "sat" refers to transcendental activities that help to break free from material bonds. The purpose of such transcendental activities is to be liberated from the bonds of the material world and to achieve spiritual freedom.

17-26

The Absolute Truth is the objective of devotional sacrifice, and it is indicated by the word spirit. O Partha, the sacrifice itself is also called spirit, and truth is ever situated in transcendence.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that the Absolute Truth is the goal of devotional sacrifice and is indicated by the word spirit. The sacrifice itself, which is performed with true devotion and spiritual consciousness, is also called spirit. The word "sat" is used to indicate the Supreme Lord and to denote the act of sacrifice itself, which is eternal. This means that truth and spiritual activity are always situated in transcendence, beyond the limitations of the material world.

17-27

The truth of sacrifice, austerity, and charity is also called spirit, O Partha. Any work done for this purpose is also called spirit.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna continues the explanation of the meaning of the word spirit. It denotes the truth and spiritual essence that is present in sacrifice, austerity, and charity, if they are performed with the correct consciousness and intention. Any work done with such a spiritual approach is considered spirit, i.e., true and spiritual.

17-28

O Partha, anything done as sacrifice, charity, or austerity without faith in the Supreme is transient. It is called non-eternal, and it is of no benefit either in this life or in the next.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna concludes the chapter by emphasizing the importance of faith in spiritual practice. Anything done as sacrifice, charity, or austerity without faith in the Supreme is transient and does not achieve the true goal. Such actions are called "asat" and they do not bring benefit either in this life or the next, because they lack a spiritual basis and true dedication to the Divine.