Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17 Summary – Trigun Vibhag Yoga: The Threefold Faith and the Secret Mantra
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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17 – Trigun Vibhag Yoga (The Division of the Threefold Faith)
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17 explains how the three gunas (sattvik, rajasik, tamasik) influence faith, worship, austerity, and charity. The chapter warns that worship not based on scriptures leads to spiritual decline. The hidden mantra “Om Tat Sat” is revealed, where “Om” is the mantra of Kaal and “Tat” and “Sat” represent the Supreme God beyond Kaal. Full knowledge of this mantra is granted only by a Tatvadarshi Saint.
Key Verses and Hidden Truths
| Verse(s) | Explanation and Spiritual Meaning |
|---|---|
| 17.1–3 | Faith arises according to one’s nature (guna): sattvik faith worships deities, rajasik worships yakshas and demons, and tamasik faith worships ghosts and spirits. This shapes one’s actions and destiny. |
| 17.4–5 | Austerities done without scripture’s sanction, especially harsh or self-harming ones, are tamasik and demoniac, leading to spiritual downfall. This echoes the warning from Chapter 16 about worship outside scriptures. |
| 17.23 | Kaal reveals the secret mantra “Om Tat Sat”: “Om” is his own mantra; “Tat” and “Sat” are syllables symbolizing the Supreme God, Param Akshar Brahm. However, full knowledge and salvation come only from a Tatvadarshi Saint who reveals the true meaning of this mantra. |
Salvation and Spiritual Practice
- True spiritual progress requires worship aligned with scriptures and guidance from a Tatvadarshi Saint.
- Blind or egoistic austerities and worships are spiritually harmful.
- The secret mantra “Om Tat Sat” contains hidden keys to higher spiritual realms but must be taught by a true Saint.
Navigation
Previous Chapter: Chapter 16 – Daivasur Sampad Vibhag Yoga Back to: Bhagavad Gita Summary ⏭️ Next Chapter: Chapter 18 – Moksha Sannyas Yoga
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the three types of faith described in Chapter 17? A1: The three types of faith are based on the three gunas—sattvik faith worships deities, rajasik faith worships spirits like yakshas and demons, and tamasik faith worships ghosts and evil spirits.
Q2: Why does Kaal warn against worship without scriptures? A2: Worship not according to scriptures is useless and leads to spiritual decline. Such worship can be egoistic, harmful, and demoniac, obstructing one’s true spiritual progress.
Q3: What is the significance of the mantra “Om Tat Sat”? A3: “Om Tat Sat” is a hidden mantra where “Om” is Kaal’s mantra and “Tat” and “Sat” represent the Supreme God beyond Kaal. Complete knowledge of this mantra is revealed only by a Tatvadarshi Saint who guides seekers to salvation.
