Bhagavad Gita 17.17

Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga · English Translation

This threefold austerity, practised by steadfast men, with the utmost faith, desiring no reward, they call Sattvic.

Sanskrit

श्रद्धया परया तप्तं तपस्तत्त्रिविधं नरैः | अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्युक्तैः सात्त्विकं परिचक्षते ||१७-१७||

Transliteration

śraddhayā parayā taptaṃ tapastattrividhaṃ naraiḥ . aphalākāṅkṣibhiryuktaiḥ sāttvikaṃ paricakṣate ||17-17||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna describes the highest quality of spiritual discipline to Arjuna as 'Sattvic' austerity. He explains that true practice involves performing acts of self-discipline with deep faith and unwavering focus, without any expectation of a reward or personal gain. This type of effort is undertaken by steady-minded individuals who are fully committed to their duty rather than the results they hope to achieve.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse is a cornerstone of Karma Yoga, specifically detailing how 'Sattvic' action purifies the mind by removing attachment to results. It develops the concept that true austerity (Tapas) requires internal alignment where faith and selflessness are combined to transcend ego-driven motivations.

Word by Word

श्रद्धया with faith, परया highest, तप्तम् practised, तपः austerity, तत् that, त्रिविधम् threefold, नरैः by men, अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिः desiring no fruit, युक्तैः steadfast, सात्त्विकम् Sattvic, परिचक्षते (they) declare

Classical Commentary

Trividham Threefold -- physical, vocal and mental. Yuktaih Steadfast Balanced in mind, unaffected in success and failure. Sraddhaya With faith With belief in the existence of God, in the words of the preceptor, in the teachings of the scriptures and in ones own Self.

Where This Happens

This teaching occurs on the battlefield of Kurukshetra during the Mahabharata war, where Lord Krishna is answering Arjuna's questions about faith and action. After explaining how different types of food, sacrifice, charity, and austerity are categorized based on human nature (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas), Krishna now concludes that chapter by defining the ideal form of self-discipline. The listener, Prince Arjuna, is seeking clarity to overcome his confusion about duty while facing a terrible war against his own family.

Living It Out Today

Consider a professional who stays late at work to fix a critical error they didn't make, not because their boss promised a bonus or promotion, but simply out of integrity and care for the team's success. In this scenario, if they act with deep conviction (faith) and without worrying about what others will say in return, that effort transforms from mere labor into genuine spiritual growth.

Explained for Children

Imagine you clean your room not because your parents promised you an ice cream, but just because it feels right and good to keep things tidy; that is what this verse teaches. Krishna says when we do hard or difficult tasks with a pure heart and total belief in doing the right thing, without asking for a prize at the end, our actions become special and bright like sunlight.

Daily Reflection

Today, I invite you to examine the 'why' behind your daily efforts and rituals. Are they driven by a deep trust in something greater, or are we secretly counting on specific outcomes? When we practice with unwavering faith but release our grip on results, the very act transforms into a source of light rather than labor.

A Practice for Today

Sit quietly and bring to mind an act of service or discipline you have performed recently without expecting praise or reward. Visualize the purity that arises when your motivation is solely rooted in faith, free from any calculation of gain. Rest for a few moments acknowledging this inner stillness as true austerity.

Key Teachings

The Purity of Motivation
True austerity is distinguished not by its difficulty, but by the absence of desire for any specific fruit or reward. It is performed only when the heart is anchored in faith rather than ambition.
Sattvic Faith as Foundation
This form of discipline belongs to the mode of goodness (sattva) because it arises from a mind that is clear, steady, and free from agitation. Without this supreme faith, efforts remain fragmented and bound by the fluctuations of desire.
The Role of Steadfastness
Only those who are firmly established in their resolve can sustain such spiritual practice over time. The 'steadfast man' is one whose commitment to truth overrides all temporary temptations for immediate gratification.

Themes

self-disciplinedetachment from resultsfaith and devotionSattvic natureKarma Yogapurity of action

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 9.27

Read This Next

2.47 — To understand the foundational principle of performing duty without attachment to results.
3.30 — For a deeper look at offering all actions as worship, which aligns with desiring no reward.
12.15 — To see the qualities of those who delight in faith and are dear to Krishna, complementing this verse's focus on devotion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Sattvic austerity and other types?

Sattvic austerity is unique because it is performed with absolute faith, steady focus, and a complete lack of desire for any reward or recognition. In contrast, Rajasic or Tamasic practices are often driven by ego, showiness, or ignorance rather than pure spiritual intent.

Why does the Gita emphasize doing things without expecting results?

In this context, faith is not blind belief but a deep, unwavering trust in the goodness of action itself. It acts as the fuel that allows a person to continue their discipline even when results are delayed or invisible.

Can you give an example of Sattvic austerity for someone who isn't religious?

Yes, it can be seen in anyone dedicating hours to study, art, or fitness with total focus and zero expectation of applause or money. The key is the internal state of doing something difficult purely because one believes it brings value and growth.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 17.17 →