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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. In the knowledge of these three gunas lies the secret to success in both worldly as well as spiritual life.

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.

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

Knowledge of the three cosmic qualities or Gunas, namely, Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas is now given through this discourse. The knowledge of these three Gunas, which hold the entire universe and all creatures under their sway, is of vital importance to each and everyone for their progress and happiness in life. Without this knowledge one will be forever bound by sorrow. In this knowledge we have the secret of success in worldly life as well as in spiritual life. Therefore, one should acquire this precious knowledge.

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.

== अध्यायसारः ॥ Summary of the Fourteenth Chapter ==

== अध्यायसारः ॥ Summary of the Fourteenth Chapter ==

Lord Krishna reveals that these three qualities compose the Cosmic Nature. This Cosmic Nature is the primal source and origin of the entire creation and all things in it. Hence all things created are subject to their influence and irresistible power. The individual soul also is bound to the body by these three qualities present in Cosmic Nature. The Supreme Being brings about creation through the help of His Prakriti (Nature) endowed with these threefold qualities.

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.  

The highest of the three qualities is Sattwa. It 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. It causes sorrow and suffering. The third, termed Tamas, is the worst of all. 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 worst of all as it arises due to ignorance and results in darkness, lethargy and delusion.

Krishna asks us to diligently endeavour to cast out Tamas from our nature. We should control and master Rajas, and by holding it in check, wisely divert its power towards good kinds of activities. Sattwa should be carefully cultivated, developed and conserved in order to enable us to attain immortality. The realised sage, of course, goes beyond all these qualities, for, although it is Sattwa that enables him to reach God, even this quality will bind him if he is attached to it.

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.  

The aspirant should know the symptoms and signs of their presence in his personality and acquire a knowledge of their subtle workings. Then only can he maintain an unhampered and smooth progress in all activities of his life, both secular as well as spiritual. Lord Krishna teaches us this important subject in this discourse from the ninth to the eighteenth verse. He declares that one whorisesbeyond allthethreeGunasthroughspiritual practices, becomesfreefrombirth,death,old age and sorrow, and enjoys immortality.

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.

 

In reply to a question from Arjuna, the blessed Lord describes 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.

[[Category:Bhagavad Gita]]

[[Category:Bhagavad Gita]]

[[Category:Prasthana Trayi]]

[[Category:Prasthana Trayi]]