THREE TYPES OF MEN

 

          THREE TYPES OF MEN

            In one of the most sacred books of the world known as The Bhagvad Gita, its chief character Lord Krishna says: There are three types of men  in the world whose inherent qualities are mentioned below.

            The first type is known as Sattvic. They belong to the category of goodness. Their characteristics  are: purity, sagaciousness, tranquility, truthfulness, spiritual comprehension, and inner non-disturbance.

            They are the best of three categories. The world is safe in their hands, They are fittest to become world leaders. They are peace-makers. Their interest is in moral values and devotional behavior. They are not lovers of flesh without its  control by divine qualities.

            The second type of men are called Rajasic. They are passionate by nature. They are restless, ambitiousness, greediness, over-activity  lust for  maximum wealth, power and heavy rewards of their labour. Their desires go on multiplying. Their number in the world is much higher than that of Sattvic persons.

            The third category is called Tamasic. The persons of this category are distinguished by their ignorance. They are dull, apathetic, lazy, idle, sleepy, dormant,  un-ambitious, and unconcerned about their duties. Their number is quite high and they are the most unwanted people by the various agencies which manage the world.

            The three categories of men mentioned above find place in Chapter XIV of The Bhagvad Gita . Here, Lord  Krishna says :”According to one’s existence under the various modes of nature, one evolves a particular kind of faith. The living being is said to be of a particular faith according to the modes he has acquired.

            “Men in the mode of goodness worship the demigods, those in the mode of passion worship the demons, and those in the mode of darkness worship the dead and ghosts.”

            The food habits of the categories of men mentioned above also differ. “Foods in the mood of goodness increase the duration of life, purify existence, give strength, and increase health, happiness and satisfaction. Such foods are juicy and fatty.” These are liked by Sattvic category.

            “Food that is too bitter, too sour, too salty, too pungent, too dry or too hot causes distress, misery and disease. Such food is very dear to those in the mood of passion.”  This is liked by people of Rajasic disposition.

            Foods prepared more than three hours before being eaten, which are tasteless, juiceless and decomposed, which have a bad smell, and which consist of remnants and untouchable things are very dear to those in the mode of darkness.”  These foods are the favourite of Tamasic disposition.

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PUNCHLINE: In life, as you sow, so shall you reap.

G.R.Kanwal

10 July 2026