Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Chapter 17 examines faith — Shraddha — as the foundation of all human activity. Everyone has faith in something. The question is what. Sattvic faith seeks wisdom, purity and the divine. Rajasic faith seeks power, pleasure and worldly success. Tamasic faith worships comfort, habit and the avoidance of discomfort. Your faith determines your worship, your food choices, your generosity and the character of your austerity.
This chapter also examines how the three Gunas manifest in the body, in speech and in the mind. Sattvic austerity of speech: truthfulness, gentle words, not causing distress, speaking what is beneficial. Sattvic austerity of the mind: serenity, kindness, silence, self-control, purity of being. This framework is remarkably practical. It applies to how you use social media, how you speak to your children, how you manage your inner dialogue.
Examine what you actually believe — not what you say you believe. Do your daily choices reflect a faith in human goodness or in human selfishness? A faith in growth or a faith that you are fundamentally limited? A faith that kindness is worth it or that only results matter? Chapter 17 says your faith is not a fixed thing. It can be gradually refined through conscious choice of what you consume, how you speak and what you give attention to.
This week examine one belief you hold that may be Tamasic — something you believe out of habit, comfort or fear rather than wisdom. Ask: is this actually true? Is there evidence against it? What would I believe if I were operating from my best self?
Content on this page is original educational writing inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient text in the public domain. The Sanskrit slokas are from the original text. Modern applications and interpretations are independently written for educational purposes.