Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 17

English Translation

When that threefold austerity is undertaken with supreme faith by people who do not hanker after results and are self-controlled, they speak of it as born of sattva.

Detailed Commentary

Tapas performed with Shraddha is paramount. It is performed through the body, speech, and mind. This is humanity's highest duty and the means to fulfill the purpose of human life. When performed correctly, nothing else remains to be done, meaning one spontaneously abides in the true essence. Tapas should be practiced with enthusiasm and reverence, without concern for major obstacles (vighnas) and impediments (badhas). **Aphalākāṅkṣī Nara** (a human devoid of desire for fruits) – This term here implies that while virtues exist in all beings, humans possess the unique ability to cultivate their good qualities and eradicate their flaws. Nishkāma-bhāva (disinterested action) can only exist in humans. This term is found in Sāttvika Tapas, but not in Rājasika or Tāmasika Tapas. This means that those who are entangled in desire (kāmanā), hypocrisy (dambha), or delusion (mūḍhatā), rather than working for their own well-being, are not considered true humans. This term applies to those humans who perform Tapas with nishkāma-bhāva. **Tapas's Trividha Rūpa (threefold form)** – The term 'trividha' (threefold) applies only to Sāttvika Tapas, not to Rājasika or Tāmasika Tapas. This implies that all three forms of Tapas – bodily (śārīrika), verbal (vācika), and mental (mānasika) – can only be Sāttvika, not Rājasika or Tāmasika. Ultimately, the objective of the Gītā is the well-being (kalyāṇa) of the jīva (individual soul). Arjuna's question was also regarding this. The means prescribed by Bhagavān (the Lord) are for the definite liberation of the jīva. Therefore, wherever a distinction is made between Sāttvika, Rājasika, and Tāmasika, the Sāttvika is to be adopted (grahaṇīya) because it bestows liberation (mukti). Rājasika and Tāmasika are to be rejected (tyājya) because they bind. **Sāttvika Tapas** – Tapas performed with immense śraddhā (faith) and without the desire for fruits is called Sāttvika Tapas.