Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 7

English Translation

Food also, which is dear to all, is of three kinds; and so also are sacrifices, austerity and charity. Listen to this classification of them.

Detailed Commentary

In verse four, Bhagavān, in response to Arjuna's query, described three types of *yajña* – *sāttvika*, *rājasika*, and *tāmasika* – for discerning the *nishṭhā* (faith or inclination) of human beings. But for those whose *bhakti* (devotion) or interest is not in *yajña-pūjana* (sacrificial worship), how can their *nishṭhā* be identified? To explain this, it is stated that regardless of their religious tradition, all require food for the sustenance of the body. Therefore, through the word '*āhāra*' (food), it is explained that *nishṭhā* can be identified not merely by *yajña-pūjana*, but also by one's preference in food. If someone is drawn to a certain kind of food, their *sāttvika*, *rājasika*, or *tāmasika* *nishṭhā* becomes evident. One might argue here that this section has appeared to describe what *sāttvika*, *rājasika*, and *tāmasika* *āhāra* should be like. However, upon deeper reflection, it becomes clear that it is not a description of *āhāra* itself, but rather of the *ruchi* (preference) of the *āhārī* (eater). This is precisely why this section has appeared to identify the *āsthā* (disposition) of the *āhārī*. The words '*sarvasya*' (of all) and '*priyaḥ*' (dear/liked) are meant to indicate what kind of food generally appeals to all human beings, thereby revealing their *nishṭhā*. Similarly, *yajña*, *tapa* (austerity), and *dāna* (charity) are also described in terms of what kind of action one has a preference for. From this, it is also proven that what is *sāttvika* in *śāstra* (scriptures), *satsaṅga* (holy company), *vārtālāpa* (discourse), etc., will be dear to a *sāttvika* person; what is *rājasika* to a *rājasika* person; and what is *tāmasika* to a *tāmasika* person. '*Teṣāṃ bhedam imaṃ śṛṇu*' means, "Listen to these distinctions of *yajña*, *tapa*, and *dāna*", which is to say, understand what a person's natural inclination is. For instance, some prefer to give *dāna* to a *Brāhmaṇa*, while others prefer it to an ordinary person. Furthermore, a *sāttvika* person's inclination is towards a *sāttvika* lifestyle and diet, a *rājasika* person's towards *rājasika*, and a *tāmasika* person's towards *tāmasika*. They are interested in similar kinds of people and activities, and they enjoy their company.