Faith Verses from the Bhagavad Gita
Krishna's teachings on shraddha, trust in the Divine, and the transformative power of belief
Understanding Faith in the Gita
The Bhagavad Gita devotes an entire chapter (Chapter 17) to shraddha—faith—recognizing it as a fundamental force shaping human destiny. Krishna teaches that everyone has faith; the question is what kind and in what object. Faith determines our actions, our worship, and ultimately our character.
The Gita classifies faith into three types based on the gunas (qualities of nature): sattvic faith directed toward the Divine and pure principles, rajasic faith focused on power and worldly success, and tamasic faith rooted in ignorance and harmful practices. We become what we place our faith in.
Importantly, the Gita teaches that faith is not blind belief but earnest conviction (shraddha) combined with dedication. True faith leads to knowledge; doubt leads to destruction. Yet faith must be placed wisely—the object of faith matters as much as the intensity.
Key Verses on Faith
Dharma in the Bhagavad Gita represents one's sacred duty, moral law, and righteous path. Krishna explains that dharma includes personal duties (svadharma), universal ethics, and cosmic order. Following one's dharma, even imperfectly, is superior to perfectly performing another's duty.
— Bhagavad Gita
Karma in the Bhagavad Gita means action performed with mindful intention. Lord Krishna teaches that karma encompasses all physical, mental, and verbal actions, and their inevitable consequences. True karma yoga involves performing duties without attachment to results, dedicating all actions to the Divine.
— Bhagavad Gita
"The faith of each is in accordance with one's own nature. A person consists of their faith; whatever their faith is, that they become."
Yo yacchraddha sa eva sah—"whatever one's faith, that is what they are." This profound verse reveals faith as destiny-shaping force. We become what we believe in. Faith isn't just belief—it's the creative power that molds our character and life.
"Those in the mode of goodness worship the gods; those in the mode of passion worship the demigods; and those in the mode of ignorance worship ghosts and spirits."
Faith expresses itself according to one's predominant guna. Sattvic people naturally have faith in the Divine and eternal principles. Rajasic people place faith in power and success. Tamasic people worship lower entities. The object of faith reveals one's inner nature.
"A person who has faith, is devoted to knowledge, and has controlled the senses, attains knowledge. Having attained knowledge, one quickly attains supreme peace."
Shraddha (faith) is the first prerequisite for gaining spiritual knowledge. Combined with dedication (tat-parah) and sense control (samyatendriya), faith leads to jnana (knowledge) and then to supreme peace (shanti). Faith opens the door; knowledge walks through it.
"But those who, with doubt in their hearts, do not have faith in this teaching—they are lost, and for them there is no happiness in this world or the next."
The opposite of faith—sanshaya (doubt)—leads to ruin. Those who cannot commit, who perpetually question without resolution, find neither worldly success nor spiritual peace. Faith enables action; doubt paralyzes.
"In whatever form any devotee with faith wishes to worship, I steady their faith in that same form."
Krishna supports faith wherever it's directed—He makes faith firm (sthiram). This generous verse shows the Divine honoring all sincere faith, even when directed toward lesser forms. God meets seekers where they are and strengthens their devotion.
"Being endowed with that faith, the devotee engages in worshiping that form and obtains desires; but these benefits are actually granted by Me alone."
All results of faith ultimately come from Krishna, even when worshipers don't recognize Him as the source. This reveals that sincere faith connects to the Divine regardless of the form worshiped—though the fullest benefits come from direct worship of the Supreme.
"But those of small intelligence worship the demigods, and their fruits are limited and temporary. Those who worship the demigods go to the demigods; but My devotees come to Me."
Faith determines destination. Those who place faith in limited gods receive limited, temporary results. Those who have faith in Krishna—the Supreme—attain Him. The object of faith shapes the outcome; wise seekers invest faith in the highest.
"Fix your mind on Me, be devoted to Me, worship Me, bow to Me, and you shall come to Me. This is My promise to you, for you are dear to Me."
Krishna's personal promise rewards faith with His own presence. For those who trust Him with their mind, devotion, and surrender, He guarantees arrival at His abode. Faith in Krishna is never wasted—He reciprocates with Himself.
"Abandon all varieties of dharma and simply surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear."
The ultimate act of faith: complete surrender to Krishna, releasing all other supports. This requires profound trust—and Krishna responds with complete protection. "Ma shuchah" (do not fear)—faith in surrender brings fearlessness.
"To those who are constantly devoted and who worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me."
Faith and devotion are rewarded with buddhi-yoga—divine intelligence that reveals the path to God. Krishna personally guides those who have faith in Him, ensuring their spiritual success. Faith attracts divine assistance.
Cultivating Sattvic Faith
The Gita offers guidance for developing pure, life-affirming faith:
- Choose Wisely: Place faith in the highest—in God, in eternal principles, in what elevates rather than degrades
- Move Beyond Doubt: Investigate, then commit. Perpetual skepticism prevents growth
- Practice Consistently: Faith strengthens through regular spiritual practice, not just intellectual belief
- Associate with the Faithful: Satsang (company of the wise) nurtures and protects faith
- Study Scripture: Regular reading of sacred texts like the Gita deepens understanding and faith
- Notice Results: As faith produces positive changes, it naturally strengthens
- Trust Divine Timing: Have faith that spiritual efforts bear fruit, even when results aren't immediate