Changes

Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga (Samskrit: गुणत्रयविभागयोगः) is the name of the fourteenth chapter of the [[Bhagavad Gita (भगवद्गीता)|Bhagavad Gita]]. This chapter enumerates on the three cosmic qualities - Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. It is said that the secret to success in both worldly as well as spiritual life lies In the knowledge of these three gunas.

Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga (Samskrit: गुणत्रयविभागयोगः) is the name of the fourteenth chapter of the [[Bhagavad Gita (भगवद्गीता)|Bhagavad Gita]]. This chapter enumerates on the three cosmic qualities - Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. It is said that the secret to success in both worldly as well as spiritual life lies in the knowledge of these three gunas.<ref name=":0">Swami Sivananda (2000), [https://holybooks-lichtenbergpress.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/BHAGAVAD-GITA-By-SRI-SWAMI-SIVANANDA.pdf Bhagavad Gita], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society, The Yoga of the Division of the Three Gunas.</ref>

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

The Chapter Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga focuses on the knowledge of the three cosmic qualities or Gunas, namely, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. The knowledge of these three Gunas that hold the entire universe and all creatures under their sway, is of vital importance to each and everyone. Because, without this knowledge one will be forever bound by sorrow. Therefore, one should acquire this precious knowledge for progress and happiness in life.

The Chapter Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga focuses on the knowledge of the three cosmic qualities or Gunas, namely, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. The knowledge of these three Gunas that hold the entire universe and all creatures under their sway, is of vital importance to each and everyone. Because, without this knowledge one will forever be bound by sorrow. Therefore, one should acquire this precious knowledge for progress and happiness in life.<ref name=":0" />

== अध्यायसारः ॥ Summary of the Fourteenth Chapter ==

== अध्यायसारः ॥ Summary of the Fourteenth Chapter ==

In this Chapter, Sri Krishna reveals that the three qualities Sattva, Rajas and Tamas compose the Cosmic Nature. And this Cosmic Nature is the primary source where entire creation and all things in it originate. The Supreme Being brings about creation through the help of His Prakriti (Nature) endowed with these threefold qualities. Hence, all things created are subject to the influence and irresistible power of the trigunas. Therefore, the individual atma is also bound to the body by these three qualities present in Cosmic Nature.  

In this Chapter, Sri Krishna reveals that the three qualities Sattva, Rajas and Tamas constitute the Cosmic Nature. And this Cosmic Nature is the primary source where entire creation and all things in it originate. The Supreme Being brings about creation through the help of His Prakrti (Nature) endowed with these threefold qualities. Hence, all things created are subject to the influence and irresistible power of the trigunas. Therefore, the individual atma is also bound to the body by these three qualities present in Cosmic Nature.  

Explaining the trigunas it is said, Sattva is the highest of the three qualities and is pure. It brings about happiness, wisdom and also illumination. The second quality of Rajas gives rise to passion manifested by intense attachment and greed. Therefore, it causes sorrow and suffering. However the third one termed as Tamas, is the worst of all as it arises due to ignorance and results in darkness, lethargy and delusion.

Explaining the trigunas it is said, Sattva is the highest of the three qualities and is pure. It brings about happiness, wisdom and also illumination. The second quality of Rajas gives rise to passion manifested by intense attachment and greed. Therefore, it causes sorrow and suffering. However the third one termed as Tamas, is the least admissible in spiritual journey as it arises due to ignorance and results in darkness, lethargy and delusion.

Sri Krishna then enumerates the ideal reciprocation to the existence of these gunas within oneself. He says one should diligently endeavour to cast out Tamas from one's very nature. As far as Rajas is concerned, it should be controlled and mastered. So that, by holding it in check, one can wisely divert its power towards good activities. Sattva also should be cultivated, developed and conserved carefully. For, it to enables one to attain immortality. However, a realised seer is expected to go beyond all these qualities, for, although Sattva enables a realised seer to reach the ultimate reality, if he is attached to it, then even this quality will bind him.  

Sri Krishna then enumerates the ideal reciprocation to the existence of these gunas within oneself. He says one should diligently endeavour to cast out Tamas from one's very nature. As far as Rajas is concerned, it should be controlled and mastered. So that, by holding it in check, one can wisely divert its power towards good activities. Sattva also should be cultivated, developed and conserved carefully. For, it to enables one to attain immortality. However, a realised seer is expected to go beyond all these qualities. Because, although Sattva enables a realised seer to reach the ultimate reality, if he is attached to it, then even this quality will bind him.  

It is said that the aspirant should know the symptoms and signs of the presence the trigunas in his personality and acquire a knowledge of their subtle workings. Only then can one maintain an unhampered and smooth progress in all activities of life, both material as well as spiritual. This important subject is expounded by Sri Krishna in the verses nine to eighteen. Bhagavan then declares that one who rises beyond all the three Gunas through spiritual practices, becomes free from birth, death, old age and sorrow, and enjoys immortality. And as Arjuna questions on how to identify such individuals, Bhagavan replies by describing the marks of one who has risen above the three Gunas. He states that if one constantly worships Him with exclusive devotion, one will attain the highest divine experience and supreme peace and blessedness.

It is also said that an aspirant should know the symptoms and signs of the presence the trigunas in one's personality and acquire a knowledge of their subtle workings. Only then can one maintain an unhampered and smooth progress in all activities of life, both material as well as spiritual. This important subject is expounded by Sri Krishna in the verses nine to eighteen of this chapter. Bhagavan then declares that one who rises beyond all these three Gunas through spiritual practices, becomes free from birth, death, old age and sorrow, and enjoys immortality. And as Arjuna questions on how to identify such individuals, Bhagavan replies by describing the marks of one who has risen above the three Gunas. He also states that if one constantly worships Him with exclusive devotion, one will attain the highest divine experience and supreme peace and blessedness.<ref name=":0" />

[[Category:Bhagavad Gita]]

[[Category:Bhagavad Gita]]

[[Category:Prasthana Trayi]]

[[Category:Prasthana Trayi]]

ॐ तत्सदिति श्रीमद्भगवद्गीतासूपनिषत्सु ब्रह्मविद्यायां योगशास्त्रे श्रीकृष्णार्जुनसंवादे गुणत्रयविभागयोगो नाम चतुर्दशोऽध्यायः ॥१४॥

ॐ तत्सदिति श्रीमद्भगवद्गीतासूपनिषत्सु ब्रह्मविद्यायां योगशास्त्रे श्रीकृष्णार्जुनसंवादे गुणत्रयविभागयोगो नाम चतुर्दशोऽध्यायः ॥१४॥