In this chapter, Shri Krishna elucidates the three essential modes of nature known as 'gunas' – Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. These inherent attributes impact human behaviour. The prevailing guna in an individual shapes their actions and demeanour. This chapter aids readers in recognizing the dominant guna within their lives.

 

Verse 1 and 2

Shri Krishna begins by stating his intention to impart knowledge to Arjun, that can liberate the soul from the cycle of birth and death.

 

Verse 3 to 5

The material substance serves as the womb, impregnated by the Supreme God with individual souls, leading to the creation of living beings. Among humans, the three gunas (modes of nature) are sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance). These gunas bind the soul to a physical body, and liberation from the cycle of life and death requires transcending these modes of nature.

 

Verse 6 to 13

Shri Krishna proceeds to define the three modes of nature and explains that depending on the circumstances, any of these modes can become dominant within a human. The human mind and body can oscillate between these modes based on the prevailing situations.

 

Sattva Guna (mode of goodness) – This mode is purer than the others and brings about happiness, peace, and knowledge in a person. However, the knowledge attained in this mode is not the highest form of knowledge that leads to liberation from the cycle of life and death. Shri Krishna explains that when an individual can discern between right and wrong, it indicates that the mode of goodness (sattva guna) is predominant in their nature.

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Rajo/Rajas Guna (Mode of Passion) – This mode drives a person to pursue various worldly desires, binding the soul through attachments to actions and their outcomes. It propels individuals towards action. Shri Krishna explains that when qualities such as greed, restlessness, a thirst for enjoyment, and actions driven by self-interest are predominant, it indicates the dominance of the mode of passion (rajo guna) in their nature.

 

Tamo Guna (Mode of Ignorance) – This mode leads a person to lose the ability to discern right from wrong, and blurs the distinction between moral and immoral behaviour. It obscures wisdom and binds the soul in delusion. It inclines individuals towards laziness, sleep, and other lethargic states. Shri Krishna explains that when a person lacks the inclination to fulfil their duties, experiences clouded wisdom, and succumbs to inertia, it signifies the prevalence of the mode of ignorance (tamo guna) in their nature.

 

Verse 14 to 15

To liberate oneself from the cycle of life and death, a human must transcend the influence of these three modes of nature. Individuals dominated by any of these modes in a particular life are reborn in different circumstances in their next life:

 

Dominated by Sattva Guna – They are reborn in places where knowledge and wisdom are emphasized.

Dominated by Rajo Guna – Their rebirth occurs in environments where action and work take precedence.

Dominated by Tamo Guna – Such individuals face the significant risk of not being reborn as humans again and may instead be born into the animal kingdom.

 

Verse 16 to 18

In these verses, Shri Krishna discusses the outcomes of actions influenced by each mode, the underlying reasons for these outcomes, and the impact of these modes on the soul.

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Verse 19 to 20

The wise recognize that the world operates through the three Gunas, and thus, they align themselves with God, transcending the influence of these Gunas. As a result, these enlightened individuals break free from the cycle of life and death.

 

Arjun's question 14 and Shri Krishna's Answer 14

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Verse 21 to 27

 

After hearing about the wisdom of transcending the three modes, Arjun poses several questions to Shri Krishna and receives clarifications in response:

Question: Arjun inquiries about the attributes of individuals who have transcended the influence of the three modes of nature.

Answer: These individuals remain serene and unaffected by the interplay of the modes in the world. They recognize that all events are governed by these modes and are unperturbed by the presence or absence of any specific mode.

Question: How do they act?

Answer: These individuals view everything impartially. They perceive both happiness and suffering, friends and foes, in the same light. They maintain a balanced state of mind in all circumstances and towards all beings.

Question: How do they go beyond the bondage of the modes?

Answer: Individuals who hold profound devotion to God transcend the influence of the three modes of nature.

 

Conclusion: In this chapter, Shri Krishna has introduced the concept of the three modes of nature, which govern the functioning of the entire world. Subsequently, Shri Krishna will make numerous references to these modes. In the upcoming chapter, Shri Krishna will delve into a detailed explanation of material attachment and how one can transcend the bondage of these three modes, addressing Arjun's final question.

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