Bhagavad Gita · Verse 17.4
Chapter 17: Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga (श्रद्धात्रयविभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
यजन्ते सात्त्विका देवान्यक्षरक्षांसि राजसाः । प्रेतान्भूतगणांश्चान्ये यजन्ते तामसा जनाः ॥४॥
yajante sāttvikā devānyakṣarakṣāṃsi rājasāḥ | pretānbhūtagaṇāṃścānye yajante tāmasā janāḥ ||4||
Complete Shloka Translation
Sattvic people worship the devas, rajasic people yakshas and rakshasas, and tamasic people departed spirits and hosts of beings.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| देव | deva | deity |
| यक्ष | yakṣa | yaksha, a traditional spirit-being |
| यजन्ते | yajante | [term] in context of Sattvic people worship the dev... |
| सात्त्विका | sāttvikā | [term] in context of Sattvic people worship the dev... |
| देवान्यक्षरक्षांसि | devānyakṣarakṣāṃsi | [term] in context of Sattvic people worship the dev... |
| राजसाः | rājasāḥ | [term] in context of Sattvic people worship the dev... |
| प्रेतान्भूतगणांश्चान्ये | pretānbhūtagaṇāṃścānye | [term] in context of Sattvic people worship the dev... |
| तामसा | tāmasā | [term] in context of Sattvic people worship the dev... |
| जनाः | janāḥ | [term] in context of Sattvic people worship the dev... |
deity
yaksha, a traditional spirit-being
[term] in context of Sattvic people worship the dev...
[term] in context of Sattvic people worship the dev...
[term] in context of Sattvic people worship the dev...
[term] in context of Sattvic people worship the dev...
[term] in context of Sattvic people worship the dev...
[term] in context of Sattvic people worship the dev...
[term] in context of Sattvic people worship the dev...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Traditional objects of worship illustrate different orientations of faith. This typology should not become hostility toward present-day communities.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"What qualities does your chosen ideal encourage in you?"
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What qualities does your chosen ideal encourage in you?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.