Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 17.2

“The Blessed Lord said: Threefold is the faith of embodied beings, born of their nature: sattvic, rajasic, tamasic; hear of it.”
Key Teaching: Faith is threefold, based on sattva, rajas, or tamas.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna explains that the faith of embodied beings is threefold—sattvic, rajasic, or tamasic—based on their nature. This verse, responding to 17.1, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna classifies faith, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, and Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he points to liberation, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s faith (1.28–46) aligns with sattva, contrasting Duryodhana’s tamasic nature (1.3–11). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (14.5–9), explaining gunas’ influence, and builds on Arjuna’s question (17.1). Krishna introduces faith’s classification.

Philosophically, the verse establishes faith’s connection to gunas, a theme refined with teachings on nature (14.5–9). Arjuna’s path is clarified by understanding faith’s types. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga underscores liberation through discernment. The verse connects to teachings on gunas (14.5).

Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s faith, where nature shapes belief. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to discern faith’s quality, aligning with moksha. The classification resonates with Arjuna’s inquiry.