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The Yoga of the Division of the Three Gunas
Chapter 14, Verses 1-27
Summary of Chapter 14
Chapter 14 of the Bhagavad Gita, titled “Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga” or “The Yoga of the Division of the Three Gunas,” introduces the concept of the three fundamental qualities (Gunas) inherent in nature: Sattva (goodness, constructive, harmonious), Rajas (passion, active, confused), and Tamas (darkness, destructive, chaotic). Lord Krishna explains how these Gunas influence human behavior and consciousness, and how they bind the soul to the physical body and the material world. He describes the characteristics of each Guna and advises Arjuna on how to transcend them to attain a state of pure consciousness, which is beyond these qualities. Krishna emphasizes that those who are established in Sattva reach higher realms, those in Rajas remain in the middle, and those in Tamas, clouded by ignorance, sink to the lower levels.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 14
In the modern era, Chapter 14’s teachings on the Gunas provide a framework for understanding human psychology and behavior. Recognizing these qualities in oneself and others can lead to greater self-awareness and more harmonious interpersonal relationships. The concept of transcending the Gunas to achieve a balanced and enlightened state is particularly relevant in a world where people often struggle with stress, ambition, and inertia. This chapter encourages individuals to strive for a state of balance and higher consciousness, which can contribute to personal well-being and a more peaceful and cohesive society.
Introduction to the Three Gunas (Chapter 14, Verses 1-4)
Krishna introduces the concepts of the three gunas – Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance) – which are qualities that arise from Prakriti (nature) and bind the soul to the body and the material world. He explains how every aspect of human experience and behavior is influenced by these gunas.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 14, Verses 1-4
This section relates to the modern understanding of personality traits and behaviors. It suggests that awareness of these inherent qualities can lead to better self-understanding and management of one’s actions and reactions in various life situations.
Characteristics of the Gunas (Chapter 14, Verses 5-18)
Krishna describes the characteristics of each guna. Sattva is pure and illuminating; Rajas is active and driven by desire; Tamas is inert and shrouded in darkness. He explains how these gunas compete for dominance and influence one’s actions and destiny.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 14, Verses 5-18
The detailed explanation of the gunas offers insights into managing personal and professional life. Understanding these qualities can aid in achieving balance, making informed decisions, and striving towards personal growth and harmony.
14.5 (Chapter 14, Verse 5): Krishna states, “Material nature consists of three modes – goodness, passion, and ignorance. When the living entity comes in contact with nature, he becomes conditioned by these modes.”
14.6 (Chapter 14, Verse 6): He continues, “Of these, the mode of goodness, being purer than the others, is illuminating, and it frees one from all sinful reactions. Those situated in that mode become conditioned by a sense of happiness and knowledge.”
14.7 (Chapter 14, Verse 7): Krishna explains, “The mode of passion is born of unlimited desires and longings, O son of Kunti, and because of this, the embodied living entity is bound to material fruitive actions.”
14.8 (Chapter 14, Verse 8): He adds, “But know that the mode of darkness, born of ignorance, is the delusion of all embodied living entities. The results of this mode are madness, indolence, and sleep, which bind the conditioned soul.”
14.9 (Chapter 14, Verse 9): Krishna says, “The mode of goodness conditions one to happiness, passion conditions one to fruitive action, and ignorance, covering one’s knowledge, binds one to madness.”
14.10 (Chapter 14, Verse 10): He elaborates, “Sometimes the mode of goodness becomes prominent, defeating the modes of passion and ignorance, O son of Bharata. Sometimes passion defeats goodness and ignorance, and at other times ignorance defeats goodness and passion. In this way, there is always competition for supremacy.”
14.11 (Chapter 14, Verse 11): Krishna describes, “When there is an increase in the mode of goodness, the symptoms of manifesting in all the gates of the body are the illumination of knowledge.”
14.12 (Chapter 14, Verse 12): He continues, “O chief of the Bharatas, when there is an increase in the mode of passion, symptoms of great attachment, fruitive activity, intense endeavor, and uncontrollable desire and hankering develop.”
14.13 (Chapter 14, Verse 13): Krishna adds, “When there is an increase in the mode of ignorance, O son of Kuru, darkness, inertia, madness, and illusion are manifested.”
14.14 (Chapter 14, Verse 14): He explains, “When one dies in the mode of goodness, he attains to the pure higher planets of the great sages.”
14.15 (Chapter 14, Verse 15): Krishna states, “When one dies in the mode of passion, he is born among those engaged in fruitive activities; and when one dies in the mode of ignorance, he is born in the animal kingdom.”
14.16 (Chapter 14, Verse 16): He elaborates, “The result of pious action is pure and is said to be in the mode of goodness. But action done in the mode of passion results in misery, and action performed in the mode of ignorance results in foolishness.”
14.17 (Chapter 14, Verse 17): Krishna says, “From the mode of goodness, real knowledge develops; from the mode of passion, greed develops; and from the mode of ignorance develop foolishness, madness, and illusion.”
14.18 (Chapter 14, Verse 18): He concludes, “Those situated in the mode of goodness gradually go upward to the higher planets; those in the mode of passion live on the earthly planets; and those in the abominable mode of ignorance go down to the hellish worlds.”
Transcending the Gunas (Chapter 14, Verses 19-27)
Krishna advises on transcending the influence of the gunas, which is essential for spiritual liberation. He describes the traits of those who have risen above the gunas and how they remain unaffected by the dualities of life.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 14, Verses 19-27
This theme speaks to the pursuit of a balanced and centered life, free from extremes of emotions and reactions. In today’s context, it highlights the importance of equanimity and resilience in facing life’s challenges and changes.
14.19 (Chapter 14, Verse 19): Krishna explains, “When you see that there is nothing beyond these modes of nature in all activities and that the Supreme Lord is transcendental to all these modes, then you can know My spiritual nature.”
14.20 (Chapter 14, Verse 20): He continues, “When the embodied being is able to transcend these three modes associated with the body, he can become free from birth, death, old age, and their distresses and can enjoy nectar even in this life.”
14.21 (Chapter 14, Verse 21): Arjuna inquires, “What are the marks of one who has transcended these three modes, O Lord? What is his behavior, and how does he transcend these modes?”
14.22 (Chapter 14, Verse 22): Krishna replies, “He who does not hate illumination, attachment, and delusion when they are present, nor longs for them when they disappear;”
14.23 (Chapter 14, Verse 23): He elaborates, “Who is seated like one unconcerned, being situated beyond these material reactions of the modes of nature, who remains firm, knowing that the modes alone are active;”
14.24 (Chapter 14, Verse 24): He continues, “Who regards alike pleasure and pain, and looks on a clod, a stone, and a piece of gold with an equal eye; who is wise and regards praise and blame alike;”
14.25 (Chapter 14, Verse 25): Krishna adds, “Who treats equally both the pious and the impious, and who is unswayed by respect or disrespect, joy or sorrow.”
14.26 (Chapter 14, Verse 26): He states, “One who engages in full devotional service, who does not fall down in any circumstance, at once transcends the modes of material nature and thus comes to the level of Brahman.”
14.27 (Chapter 14, Verse 27): Krishna concludes, “And I am the basis of the impersonal Brahman, which is the constitutional position of ultimate happiness, and which is immortal, imperishable, and eternal.”