Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 1

English Translation

Arjuna said But, ['But' is used to present a standpoint distinct from the earlier ones understand from 16.23-4.-S.] O Krsna, what is the state [i.e., where do the rites undertaken by them end?] of those who, endued with faith, adore [Adore-perform sacrifices, distribute wealth etc. in honour of gods and others.] by ignoring the injunctions of the scriptures? Is it sattva, rajas or tamas?

Detailed Commentary

The dialogue between Lord Shri Krishna and Arjuna in the *Shrimad Bhagavad Gita* is for the welfare of all beings. Both had the people of *Kaliyuga* in mind, as the *Dvapara Yuga* was drawing to a close. Considering the *Kaliyugi* beings to come, Arjuna asks, "Maharaj, what is the state of those humans whose intentions are good, who possess *Shraddha* and *Bhakti*, but do not know the injunctions of the *Shastras*? Even if they were to know, they might begin to follow them, but they are unaware. What is their position?" Among the coming populace, knowledge of the *Shastras* will be very scarce. Finding the right *Sat-sang* will also be difficult, because even in earlier *Yugas*, true *Sant Mahatma* were few; in *Kaliyuga*, they will be even rarer. If there is an inner yearning, they might find *Sat-sang*, but the difficulty is that in *Kaliyuga*, due to increased hypocrisy and pretense, many people become fake saints. Identifying true saints is difficult. Finding a genuine saint is hard, and even if one is found, discerning who among them is genuine is also challenging. Therefore, those who do not know the *Shastra* injunctions, and do not find the company of true saints, yet still perform *Yajna-Pujan* with *Shraddha* – what is their *Nishtha*? Is it *Sattvic*, *Rajasic*, or *Tamasic*? *Sattvic* emotions, conduct, and thoughts belong to the divine nature (*Daivi Sampatti*), while *Rajasic* and *Tamasic* emotions, conduct, and thoughts belong to the demonic nature (*Asuri Sampatti*). A human's *Nishtha* is determined by their nature. As are one's emotions, conduct, and thoughts, so is their state (*Nishtha*). You say that abandoning *Shastra* injunctions and acting whimsically does not lead to perfection (*Siddhi*), happiness (*Sukha*), or the ultimate goal (*Paramgati*). If their *Nishtha* is unknown, how can their ultimate destination (*Gati*) be ascertained? Therefore, please tell us their *Nishtha*, so it can be known whether they are on a *Sattvic* path or a *Rajasic-Tamasic* path. The meaning of *Krishna* is "the one who attracts/draws." Here, addressing Him as *Krishna* implies, "To which direction will You draw such individuals in their final moments?" In the thirty-seventh verse of the Sixth Chapter too, Arjuna used the address *Krishna* while asking a question related to destiny. Here, Arjuna's inquiry about *Nishtha* is indeed directed towards their ultimate destiny (*Gati*). Does *Bhagavan* draw humans, or are they drawn by their own *Karmas*? In reality, results are obtained according to one's *Karmas*, but *Bhagavan's* drawing is in the direction of all outcomes. If the fruit of *Tamasic* actions is *Naraka*, then *Bhagavan* will draw them towards *Naraka*. In fact, *Bhagavan* draws individuals towards Himself by eradicating their sins. He holds no enmity or hatred towards anyone. That is why *Bhagavan* says that those who entered demonic wombs could not attain Him. *Bhagavan* draws everyone towards Himself, whether they are *Sattvic*, *Rajasic*, or *Tamasic*. It is with this sentiment that the address *Krishna* is used here. Connection – Even without knowing the *Shastra* injunctions, every human possesses some form of inherent *Shraddha*. Its distinctions are explained in the next verse.