October 4, 2024
tatra sattvaṁ nirmalatvāt prakāśakam anāmayaṁ
sukhasaṅgena badhnāti jñānasaṅgena cā ’nagha (XIV-6)
rajo rāgātmakaṁ viddhi tṛṣṇāsaṅgasamudbhavaṁ
tan nibadhnāti kaunteya karmasaṅgena dehinaṁ (XIV-7)
tamas tv ajñānajaṁ viddhi mohanaṁ sarvadehināṁ
pramādālasyanidrābhis tan nibadhnāti bhārata (XIV-8)
XIV/6. Of these, sattva, which from its stainlessness is
luminous and healthy, binds by attachment to happiness
and by attachment to knowledge, 0 sinless one.
XIV/7. Know thou rajas to be of the nature of passion,
the source of thirst (for sensual enjoyment) and
attachment; it binds fast, O Arjuna, the embodied one by attachment
to action.
XIV/8. But know thou tamas to be born of ignorance, deluding all
embodied beings; it binds fast, O Arjuna, by heedlessness,
ndolence and sleep.
Swamiji's Commentary
These are the fundamental characteristics of the three qualities of nature. A knowledge of these three qualities is extremely essential. Our Master often asked: “Do you know which guṇa (quality) is operating in you at a particular time?” If we do, then we shall be able to adapt our life and activity in such a way as to utilize the operation of the particular quality and prevent it from leading us away from our centre, God. So long as one is embodied, one cannot completely disentangle oneself from these qualities of nature.
Social workers often delude themselves that the service they render is itself yoga. Deep meditation on these three verses will awaken them to the truth that their service is often rājasa, which is always accompanied by attachment and desire for worldly objects, name and fame. Introspection will enable them to retain the activity and eliminate attachment or desire.
A man who cares for nothing, who is not sincere enough to love anyone, or daring enough to hate, may pat his own back and think himself nearly a sage. Verse 8 reminds him that he is tāmasa. He should remove the heedlessness and then maintain equilibrium.
Even knowledge and happiness, though sāttvika, are only bondages. Knowing this, the aspirant is careful not to stop there. All the qualities must be transcended and the self realized here and now.