Chapter 17 · Verse 4 · Sraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 17.4
Sanskrit
यजन्ते सात्त्विका देवान्यक्षरक्षांसि राजसाः।प्रेतान्भूतगणांश्चान्ये यजन्ते तामसा जनाः।।17.4।।
Transliteration
yajante sāttvikā devān yakṣha-rakṣhānsi rājasāḥ pretān bhūta-gaṇānśh chānye yajante tāmasā janāḥ
In plain words
You may be afraid that dark forces or other people's intentions are shaping your life—that you're being pulled toward despair, addiction, or rage. Krishna says: what you worship with your attention and your fear becomes real to you, not because it has power over you, but because your own consciousness creates the cage. The only demon you're actually feeding is the one you keep bowing to. Turn your devotion instead toward what is clear, true, and honest—even in small moments—and notice who you become.
Word by Word
Krishna reveals a profound truth: consciousness itself flows through all worship, yet the object of our worship mirrors the quality of our own nature. When you bow before the celestial gods, you honor divine order and cosmic harmony—this is the worship of one who dwells in sattva, clarity and light.
But know this: whatever you worship, you become. The demons and ghosts sought by those in tamas are not external entities but the darkened corners of an unexamined mind.
In your own life, notice what you truly devote your time, energy, and heart to—for that choice reveals not your beliefs, but your actual state of consciousness.
Listen
Bhagavad Gita 17.4 — BG 17.4
Your Mantra Prescription
This mantra is prescribed for clarity and purpose. Is that what you're going through?
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