āhāras tv api sarvasya tri-vidho bhavati priyaḥ
yajñas tapas tathā dānaṁ teṣhāṁ bhedam imaṁ śhṛiṇu
āhāraḥ — food;
tu — indeed;
api — even;
sarvasya — of all;
tri-vidhaḥ — of three kinds;
bhavati — is;
priyaḥ — dear;
yajñaḥ — sacrifice;
tapaḥ — austerity;
tathā — and;
dānam — charity;
teṣhām — of them;
bhedam — distinctions;
imam — this;
śhṛiṇu — hear
This verse tells us that everything we do, including what we eat, how we give, and how we perform acts of kindness, can be classified into three types based on our nature. Just like the food we eat is not one type, our actions are also different.
1. **Food**: Just as we eat various kinds of food, the verse explains that there are three categories of food—some foods are healthy and enjoyable, some are spicy or sour and can cause discomfort, and some are stale or rotten and unhealthy. Thus, understanding which food is good for us requires wisdom.
2. **Sacrifices**: When we talk about sacrifices, it means any act of giving or offering. Some people give with the right intention and follow the rules, some give only to show off or gain something in return, and others give without understanding or care. The way we sacrifice matters just like the food we choose.
3. **Austerities**: This refers to self-discipline, like fasting or meditating. Some people do this to improve themselves sincerely, some do it to show off, and others do extreme things that aren’t good for them or others. Again, the form of our austerities matters, just like food and sacrifices.
4. **Charity**: The same goes for charity. Giving generously because we care is different from giving to seek praise or because we feel pressured to do so. Some people might give without thought to who they are giving to or the impact of their charity. The quality of who we help and why we do it is important.
In summary, the verse points out that all these actions can be grouped into three categories based on our motives and the nature behind them: goodness, passion, and ignorance. Those who can see and understand these differences are wise because they know that not all actions are equal and carry different consequences.
However, many people think that it doesn’t matter how they act, and they can do anything they want. This misconception is dangerous. It misleads them and others because they stray away from what is recommended in scriptures and proper teachings. Instead of following guidance that leads to better choices, they just make up their own rules, which can lead to confusion and wrong actions in life.
So it's important to reflect on the kind of food we eat, the nature of our sacrifices, the way we discipline ourselves, and the generosity of our charity—understanding that each carries its own impact based on how and why we do these things.