Verse-7
Chapter 17 — Shraddhatreya Vibhag Yoga
Verse 7
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
āhārastvapi sarvasya trividho bhavati priyaḥ
yajñastapastathā dānaṁ teṣāṁ bhedamimaṁ śṛṇu
🕉 English Translation
Ho teen tarah ka ahar bhi,
Lage pyara swabhav anusar hee.
Vaise hee yagya , tap aur daan sab,
Sunn bhed in sab ke mujhse tu ab.
📜 Translation
English
The liking for the food according to one's nature is of three kinds. Similarly, sacrifice, austerity and charity are also of three kinds. Hear from Me the distinction between them.
The interest of the person is in accordance with one's qualities and in turn nature too depends on that. It may be practical conduct or philanthropic deeds. Even in its background these qualities can be seen clearly to be performing their role. The reality is this only. In the disposition, nature and actions of the person the qualities play a determining role. This inspiration from the Gita is giving clarity to it.
This verse and further its analysis can become a strong aid on the path of self-evolution. The Blessed Lord clarifies using the word 'srnu' (hear) to describe the three distinctions of food in accordance with sattvic, rajasic, tamasic qualities and along with it that of sacrifice, austerity and charity. This issue requires to be particularly understood; the seeker should not take it lightly. He should not be under the impression what it has got to do with his spiritual effort. It has a very direct and deep impact. Invariably, it happens; we have eagerness; but not grasping these intricacies relating to spirituality we get stuck somewhere. Hear or read these distinctions with care, and on grasping and reflecting on it march ahead on the path of spirituality.