What each faith reaches for

yajante sāttvikā devānyakṣarakṣāṃsi rājasāḥpretānbhūtagaṇāṃścānye yajante tāmasā janāḥ

The clear worship the gods. The restless worship powerful spirits of wealth and force. The heavy worship ghosts and spirits of the dead.

What it means

Krishna uses images from old Indian lore. Clear faith turns toward the devas, beings of light. Restless faith turns toward yakshas and rakshasas, spirits of wealth and power. Heavy faith turns toward ghosts, reaching into fear and the past. It's a picture of what each heart reaches for, light, power or fear.

The story

Arjuna has seen people make offerings for many reasons, for blessings, for victory, out of dread. Krishna shows him how the reason reveals the heart.

In your life

Remember the difference between praying for peace, praying to win, and praying out of fear. Notice what you reach for when you ask for help.