Chapter 17, Verse 4
यजन्ते सात्विका देवान्यक्षरक्षांसि राजसा: | प्रेतान्भूतगणांश्चान्ये यजन्ते तामसा जना: ॥4॥
yajante sāttvikā devān yakṣa-rakṣāṃsi rājasāḥ | pretān bhūta-gaṇāṃś cānye yajante tāmasā janāḥ ||
"Those in the mode of goodness (Sattva) worship the celestial gods; those in the mode of passion (Rajas) worship the powerful spirits and demons; and those in the mode of ignorance (Tamas) worship ghosts and spirits of the dead."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.4 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.4 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse explains that our objects of devotion are mirrors of our internal state. Our 'Shraddha' (faith) is dictated by our dominant Guna. Sattvic individuals are drawn to divine, light-filled beings (Devas). Rajasic individuals are attracted to entities representing power, wealth, and ego (Yakshas and Rakshasas). Tamasic individuals are drawn to darker, confused, or destructive energies (Pretas and Bhutas). Ultimately, our worship reflects our current evolution and our desires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 17.4?
Those in the mode of goodness (Sattva) worship the celestial gods; those in the mode of passion (Rajas) worship the powerful spirits and demons; and those in the mode of ignorance (Tamas) worship ghosts and spirits of the dead.