Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 17.4

“Sattvic men worship gods, rajasic worship yakshas and rakshasas, tamasic worship ghosts and spirits.”
Key Teaching: Worship reflects faith’s nature: sattvic to gods, rajasic to yakshas, tamasic to spirits.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Bhakti Yoga.
Description:
Krishna explains that sattvic men worship gods, rajasic worship yakshas and rakshasas, and tamasic worship ghosts and spirits. This verse, continuing 17.3, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna classifies worship, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he points to liberation, and Bhakti Yoga, as he addresses worship, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s divine worship (1.28–46) reflects sattva, contrasting Duryodhana’s tamasic nature (1.3–11). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (14.5–9) and Bhakti Yoga (9.25), linking worship to gunas. Krishna builds on faith’s nature (17.3).

Philosophically, the verse ties worship to faith, a theme refined with teachings on devotion (9.25). Arjuna’s path is clarified by sattvic worship. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga emphasizes liberation through pure worship. The verse connects to teachings on devotion (9.25).

Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s worship, where faith shapes practice. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to worship divinely, aligning with moksha. The classification resonates with Arjuna’s devotional path.