The Yoga of the Threefold Faith

Krishna answers Arjuna's question directly: faith (śraddhā) is 'trividhā'—three kinds. More importantly, faith is 'svabhāva-jā'—born of nature. Your faith isn't random or arbitrary—it reflects who you are. 'Sattvānurūpā sarvasya'—everyone's faith is according to their nature (sattva here means 'nature' in general, not just the sattva guna). This is profound: you don't choose your faith—your nature chooses it. If your nature is dominated by sattva (goodness), your faith is sattvic. If rajas (passion) dominates, your faith is rajasic. If tamas (ignorance) dominates, your faith is tamasic. This explains why people with similar backgrounds have different faiths—their natures differ. Understanding this helps you recognize your own faith and work toward sattvic faith, which leads to spiritual growth.