THE PILLARS OF FAITH
Arjun asked from Krishna, ‘O Madhusudan! Mostly the people do not worship as prescribed by the scriptures. They worship according to their own fancies. In what class shall you put such people? Are they Satvik, Rajsik or Tamsik (Noble, Attached or Negative)?’ Krishna answered, ‘O Parth! People eat food of their own individual choices. And accordingly they develop tendencies and similar is their devotion to God. The devotion can be of any category Satvik, Rajsik or Tamsik. One of the noble category sees divinity in God. To the one from Rajsik category God may appear demonic. And a Tamsik man may see ghosts or apparitions in God. Each worships God in his own form of visualization.’
THREE TYPES OF PENANCES
Krishna spoke to Arjun, ‘O Parth! Amongst yajnas, one performed according to the prescription of scriptures is the true one (Satvik). The yajna performed for some physical gain is ‘Attached’ (Rajsik). And yajna to gain money or wealth is Negative (Tamsik). Infact the devotion of the last category is equivalent to non-devotion. The worship of God, parents and guru done with true heart is considered physical penance making. Not speaking words that hurt others is making a penance vocally.
Karma not done for some physical gain is penance making of the noble kind. A penance made with pride to earn honour or recognition is ‘attached (Rajsik) penance’. It is not permanent. And a penance made or worship done foolishly for self torture or to destroy others is of (Tamsik) ‘negative or dark category.’
IMPORTANCE OF CHARITY
Krishna revealed, ‘O Arjun! The same is situation in the case of charity. If the charity is made in the spirit of human duty to help the deserving needy devoid of the sentiment of revenge, it is Satvik (true or noble). Rajsik (attached) is the charity made in a sprit of revenge or desiring some reward or unwillingly. But if charity is made at an unholy place, at improper time, and to undeserving candidate with some selfish motive, it is Tamsik (negative or dark).
So, O Arjun! True yogis do make penance, perform yajna and give charity for soul realization according to the prescribed manner with pious intention and sentiment in the name of God. The acts of yajna, charity and penance made without any desire for reward delivers a soul from all the mundane bindings and helps one gain access to the soul supreme, the ultimate truth. Selfless devotion to God must be a person’s sole goal. O Parth, yajna, penance and charity without true devotion is perishable. It does not serve any purpose in this life or after life.’
