Verse-3
Chapter 17 — Shraddhatreya Vibhag Yoga
Verse 3
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
sattvānurūpā sarvasya śraddhā bhavati bhārata
śraddhāmayo'yaṁ puruṣo yo yacchraddhaḥ sa eva saḥ
🕉 English Translation
Jaisa bhi ho jiska antahkaran,
Shraddha bhi ho vaisi Arjun tu sunn.
Hai shraddha ke anusaar hee purusha yeh,
Jaisi hai shraddha veh khud vaisa hai.
📜 Translation
English
O Bharat! faith of every person is in accordance with his inner nature. Man consists of his faith. That is why whatever the faith of a person is, so is he.
This verse carries a unique thought about life. The external form of body is not life. The outer shape, features, colour, beauty and attire of person is not all to life. The identity of a person cannot be established by just this! One can identify him in true sense by inner nature. This verse is guiding light in that direction.
The true foundation of life is the inner nature or faith of the person. Whatever is the nature of the person so will be his conduct. A good and beautiful shape, good beautiful cosmetics, clothes and ornaments but in the inner state prevails impure and evil emotions-who and how will that be called good? In the Indian tradition the emphasis has always been on the inner feelings. The body may be completely twisted and turned but the emotion of faith is on the pinnacle. The beauty of Shabri who was a person of little means is a never dying source of inspiration even today; the reason is the nobility of the inner fine emotions!
Come and let us understand the inherent essence of this verse in depth and reflect on it! The essential truth is that we should correct the direction of our faith; we should turn our emotions towards purity and virtuosity. This is the secret of the greatness of life. The body will follow the inner emotions. Faith in any case is an inner emotion. The nature is built according to the qualities which dwell in the inner-self. The matter is of principle and is universal. Examine yourself against the touchstone from the inspirations of Gita; it will become clear where we stand.