Changes

{{ToBeEdited}}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 adhyatmik 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>

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 (सत्त्वम्)|Sattva]], [[Rajas (रजः)|Rajas]] and [[Tamas (तमः)|Tamas]]. It is said that the secret to success in both worldly as well as adhyatmik 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 ==

== 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 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 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.  

In this Chapter, [[Krishna (कृष्ण )|Shri 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 of the Universe (सृष्ट्युत्पत्तिः)|creation]] through the help of [[Prakrti (प्रकृतिः)|Prakrti]] (Nature) endowed with these threefold qualities. Hence, all things created are subject to the influence and irresistible power of the [[Trigunas (त्रिगुणाः)|trigunas]]. Therefore, the individual [[Atman (आत्मन्)|atma]] is also bound to the [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|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 least admissible in adhyatmik journey 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 in Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदे सुखानन्दश्च)|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 adhyatmik 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 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.  

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 enables one to attain [[Moksha (मोक्षः)|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 also said that an aspirant should know the symptoms and signs of the presence of 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 adhyatmik. 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 adhyatmik 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" />

It is also said that an aspirant should know the symptoms and signs of the presence of the trigunas in one's [[Personality (व्यक्तित्व)|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 adhyatmik. This important subject is expounded by Sri Krishna in the verses nine to eighteen of this chapter. Shri Krishna then declares that one who rises beyond all these three Gunas through adhyatmik practices, becomes free from birth, [[Mrutyu (मृत्युः)|death]], old age and sorrow, and enjoys immortality. And as [[Arjuna ( अर्जुन )|Arjuna]] questions on how to identify such individuals, Shri Krishna 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 [[Bhakti (भक्तिः)|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]]

== विषयः पार्श्वभूमिश्च ॥ Subject Matter and Background ==

== विषयः पार्श्वभूमिश्च ॥ Subject Matter and Background ==

The previous chapter (Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga) explained that knowledge of Purusha and Prakrti along with the Gunas,<ref name=":2">Swami Nikhilananda (1944), [https://estudantedavedanta.net/Srimad%20Bhagavad%20Gita%20with%20Commentary%20-%20Swami%20Nikhilananda%20(1944)%20%5BEnglish%5D.pdf The Bhagavad Gita], New York: Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center.</ref> would facilitate freedom from material entanglement. And that a living entity gets entangled in this material world due to its association with the three Gunas.<ref name=":1">A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1998), [https://ebooks.iskcondesiretree.com/pdf/00_-_Srila_Prabhupada/Bhagavad_Gita/Bhagavad_Gita_As_It_Is.pdf Bhagavad Gita As It Is], USA: The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International.</ref>  <blockquote>य एवं वेत्ति पुरुषं प्रकृतिं च गुणैः सह । सर्वथा वर्तमानोऽपि न स भूयोऽभिजायते ॥१३.२३॥   

The previous chapter ([[Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga (क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञविभागयोगः)|Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga]]) explained that knowledge of [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|Purusha]] and Prakrti along with the Gunas,<ref name=":2">Swami Nikhilananda (1944), [https://estudantedavedanta.net/Srimad%20Bhagavad%20Gita%20with%20Commentary%20-%20Swami%20Nikhilananda%20(1944)%20%5BEnglish%5D.pdf The Bhagavad Gita], New York: Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center.</ref> would facilitate freedom from material entanglement. And that a living entity gets entangled in this material world due to its association with the three Gunas.<ref name=":1">A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1998), [https://ebooks.iskcondesiretree.com/pdf/00_-_Srila_Prabhupada/Bhagavad_Gita/Bhagavad_Gita_As_It_Is.pdf Bhagavad Gita As It Is], USA: The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International.</ref>  <blockquote>य एवं वेत्ति पुरुषं प्रकृतिं च गुणैः सह । सर्वथा वर्तमानोऽपि न स भूयोऽभिजायते ॥१३.२३॥   

पुरुषः प्रकृतिस्थो हि भुङ्‌क्ते प्रकृतिजान्गुणान् । कारणं गुणसङ्गोऽस्य सदसद्योनिजन्मसु ॥१३.२१॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 13 (Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga)]</ref>

पुरुषः प्रकृतिस्थो हि भुङ्‌क्ते प्रकृतिजान्गुणान् । कारणं गुणसङ्गोऽस्य सदसद्योनिजन्मसु ॥१३.२१॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 13 (Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga)]</ref>

== सृष्टिः ॥ Creation ==

== सृष्टिः ॥ Creation ==

Having stated the importance of the knowledge of Trigunas in transcending the effects of creation and dissolution, Shri Krishna expands on the process of creation itself. He states that the great brahman is the womb wherein the seed is placed and thence the birth of all living beings become possible.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" /><blockquote>मम योनिर्महद्ब्रह्म तस्मिन्गर्भं दधाम्यहम् । संभवः सर्वभूतानां ततो भवति भारत ॥१४.३॥<ref name=":3" />

Having stated the importance of the knowledge of Trigunas in transcending the effects of creation and dissolution, Shri Krishna expands on the process of creation itself. He states that the great [[Brahman (ब्रह्मन्)|brahman]] is the womb wherein the seed is placed and thence the birth of all living beings become possible.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" /><blockquote>मम योनिर्महद्ब्रह्म तस्मिन्गर्भं दधाम्यहम् । संभवः सर्वभूतानां ततो भवति भारत ॥१४.३॥<ref name=":3" />

mama yonirmahadbrahma tasmingarbhaṁ dadhāmyaham । saṁbhavaḥ sarvabhūtānāṁ tato bhavati bhārata ॥14.3॥</blockquote>The great brahman here refers to Prakrti or material nature which is the material cause of the entire cosmic manifestation. It is further stated that all species of life that are produced through any womb, are ultimately born of the great womb of brahman or Prakrti and Bhagavan himself is the seed-giving father.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" /> <blockquote>सर्वयोनिषु कौन्तेय मूर्तयः संभवन्ति याः । तासां ब्रह्म महद्योनिरहं बीजप्रदः पिता ॥१४.४॥<ref name=":3" />

mama yonirmahadbrahma tasmingarbhaṁ dadhāmyaham । saṁbhavaḥ sarvabhūtānāṁ tato bhavati bhārata ॥14.3॥</blockquote>The great brahman here refers to Prakrti or material nature which is the material cause of the entire cosmic manifestation. It is further stated that all species of life that are produced through any womb, are ultimately born of the great womb of brahman or Prakrti and Bhagavan himself is the seed-giving father.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" /> <blockquote>सर्वयोनिषु कौन्तेय मूर्तयः संभवन्ति याः । तासां ब्रह्म महद्योनिरहं बीजप्रदः पिता ॥१४.४॥<ref name=":3" />

sarvayoniṣu kaunteya mūrtayaḥ saṁbhavanti yāḥ । tāsāṁ brahma mahadyonirahaṁ bījapradaḥ pitā ॥14.4॥</blockquote>This emphasizes that created beings are produced from the union of Purusha and Prakriti. And the Supreme Being not only unites Prakrti and Purusha to cause the birth of created beings at the beginning of a creation cycle, but is also the ultimate cause of every birth that takes place on the earth.<ref name=":2" />

sarvayoniṣu kaunteya mūrtayaḥ saṁbhavanti yāḥ । tāsāṁ brahma mahadyonirahaṁ bījapradaḥ pitā ॥14.4॥</blockquote>This emphasizes that created beings are produced from the union of Purusha and Prakriti. And the Supreme Being not only unites Prakrti and Purusha to cause the birth of created beings at the beginning of a creation cycle, but is also the ultimate cause of every birth that takes place on the [[Prthvi (पृथ्वी)|earth]].<ref name=":2" />

== त्रिगुणाः ॥ Trigunas ==

== त्रिगुणाः ॥ Trigunas ==

tatra sattvaṁ nirmalatvātprakāśakamanāmayam । sukhasaṅgena badhnāti jñānasaṅgena cānagha ॥14.6॥</blockquote>It is interesting to note here that on account of its purity, sattva is described as the perfect mirror to illumine and reflect knowledge that is the cause of spiritual bliss.  

tatra sattvaṁ nirmalatvātprakāśakamanāmayam । sukhasaṅgena badhnāti jñānasaṅgena cānagha ॥14.6॥</blockquote>It is interesting to note here that on account of its purity, sattva is described as the perfect mirror to illumine and reflect knowledge that is the cause of spiritual bliss.  

So, a person under the influence of sattva becomes attached to happiness and knowledge that are attributes of mind, a form of matter. This identification with matter binds the free and totally unattached Self. And that is how sattva guna binds one to the world.<ref name=":2" />

So, a person under the influence of sattva becomes attached to happiness and knowledge that are attributes of [[Manas (मनः)|mind]], a form of matter. This identification with matter binds the free and totally unattached Self. And that is how sattva guna binds one to the world.<ref name=":2" />

=== रजः ॥ Rajas ===

=== रजः ॥ Rajas ===

== सत्त्वस्याविर्भावः ॥ Manifestation of Sattva ==

== सत्त्वस्याविर्भावः ॥ Manifestation of Sattva ==

According to the Bhagavad Gita, when the light of knowledge shines through all the gateways of the body, that is known as the manifestation of sattva.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>सर्वद्वारेषु देहेऽस्मिन्प्रकाश उपजायते । ज्ञानं यदा तदा विद्याद्विवृद्धं सत्त्वमित्युत ॥१४.११॥<ref name=":3" /> sarvadvāreṣu dehe'sminprakāśa upajāyate । jñānaṁ yadā tadā vidyādvivr̥ddhaṁ sattvamityuta ॥14.11॥</blockquote>Here, by gateways are meant the senses, which are the gateways of perception.<ref name=":2" /> In the mode of sattva, one can see, hear, taste, experience all things in the right manner and thereby becomes cleansed inside and outside.<ref name=":1" /> Therefore, cultivation of sattva is considered the highest virtue in the relative world. However, if excessively cherished, sattva degenerates into rajas and tamas, which are always present, in however small proportion, along with sattva. Hence, moksha is described as consisting in transcending all the three gunas.<ref name=":2" />

According to the Bhagavad Gita, when the light of knowledge shines through all the gateways of the body, that is known as the manifestation of sattva.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>सर्वद्वारेषु देहेऽस्मिन्प्रकाश उपजायते । ज्ञानं यदा तदा विद्याद्विवृद्धं सत्त्वमित्युत ॥१४.११॥<ref name=":3" /> sarvadvāreṣu dehe'sminprakāśa upajāyate । jñānaṁ yadā tadā vidyādvivr̥ddhaṁ sattvamityuta ॥14.11॥</blockquote>Here, by gateways are meant the [[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)|senses]], which are the gateways of perception.<ref name=":2" /> In the mode of sattva, one can see, hear, taste, experience all things in the right manner and thereby becomes cleansed inside and outside.<ref name=":1" /> Therefore, cultivation of sattva is considered the highest virtue in the relative world. However, if excessively cherished, sattva degenerates into rajas and tamas, which are always present, in however small proportion, along with sattva. Hence, moksha is described as consisting in transcending all the three gunas.<ref name=":2" />

== रजस्तमसोः अतिरेकः ॥ Excess of Rajas and Tamas ==

== रजस्तमसोः अतिरेकः ॥ Excess of Rajas and Tamas ==

mānāpamānayostulyastulyo mitrāripakṣayoḥ । sarvārambhaparityāgī guṇātītaḥ sa ucyate ॥14.25॥</blockquote>Therefore, a person transcendentally situated has no envy and does not hanker for anything. Knowing that one has nothing to do with material existence, the transcendentally situated person is not affected by the polar opposites or extremities and is equally disposed towards everything. Corollary to this, by such a behaviour one can actually become transcendentally situated.

mānāpamānayostulyastulyo mitrāripakṣayoḥ । sarvārambhaparityāgī guṇātītaḥ sa ucyate ॥14.25॥</blockquote>Therefore, a person transcendentally situated has no envy and does not hanker for anything. Knowing that one has nothing to do with material existence, the transcendentally situated person is not affected by the polar opposites or extremities and is equally disposed towards everything. Corollary to this, by such a behaviour one can actually become transcendentally situated.

So, this enumeration not only helps one self-assess if one has already transcended the influence of the trigunas but also guides those on the path on the conducive codes of conduct by which means one can attain the transcendental nature.<ref name=":1" /> In short, the attributes described in verses 14.22-25 are the virtues to be cultivated by an aspirant of Self-knowledge as a means of attaining it. And when the aspirant becomes a jivanmukta, freed while still living in the human body, all these virtues become a part of his nature and serve as marks of mukti that is perceivable for himself.<ref name=":2" />

So, this enumeration not only helps one self-assess if one has already transcended the influence of the trigunas but also guides those on the path on the conducive codes of conduct by which means one can attain the transcendental nature.<ref name=":1" /> In short, the attributes described in verses 14.22-25 are the virtues to be cultivated by an aspirant of Self-knowledge as a means of attaining it. And when the aspirant becomes a [[Jivanmukta (जीवन्मुक्तः)|jivanmukta]], freed while still living in the human body, all these virtues become a part of his nature and serve as marks of mukti that is perceivable for himself.<ref name=":2" />

== त्रिगुणातीतसाधनम् ॥ Means to Attain Transcendence<ref name=":1" /> ==

== त्रिगुणातीतसाधनम् ॥ Means to Attain Transcendence ==

Having enumerated the characteristics of a Trigunatita, Shri Krishna then declares Bhakti Yoga as the means to transcend the Trigunas. He says,<blockquote>मां च योऽव्यभिचारेण भक्तियोगेन सेवते । स गुणान्समतीत्यैतान्ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते ॥१४.२६॥

Having enumerated the characteristics of a Trigunatita, Shri Krishna then declares [[Bhakti Yoga (भक्तियोगः)|Bhakti Yoga]] as the means to transcend the Trigunas. He says,<blockquote>मां च योऽव्यभिचारेण भक्तियोगेन सेवते । स गुणान्समतीत्यैतान्ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते ॥१४.२६॥

ब्रह्मणो हि प्रतिष्ठाहममृतस्याव्ययस्य च । शाश्वतस्य च धर्मस्य सुखस्यैकान्तिकस्य च ॥१४.२७॥<ref name=":3" />

ब्रह्मणो हि प्रतिष्ठाहममृतस्याव्ययस्य च । शाश्वतस्य च धर्मस्य सुखस्यैकान्तिकस्य च ॥१४.२७॥<ref name=":3" />

māṁ ca yo'vyabhicāreṇa bhaktiyogena sevate । sa guṇānsamatītyaitānbrahmabhūyāya kalpate ॥14.26॥

māṁ ca yo'vyabhicāreṇa bhaktiyogena sevate । sa guṇānsamatītyaitānbrahmabhūyāya kalpate ॥14.26॥

brahmaṇo hi pratiṣṭhāhamamr̥tasyāvyayasya ca । śāśvatasya ca dharmasya sukhasyaikāntikasya ca ॥14.27॥</blockquote>Meaning: One who engages in complete devotional service (to Shri Krishna), unfailing in all circumstances, at once transcends the modes of material nature and becomes fit to be one with the Brahman. For, He is the abode of the immortal and immutable Brahman, eternal dharma and absolute bliss.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

brahmaṇo hi pratiṣṭhāhamamr̥tasyāvyayasya ca । śāśvatasya ca dharmasya sukhasyaikāntikasya ca ॥14.27॥</blockquote>Meaning: One who engages in complete devotional service (to Shri Krishna), unfailing in all circumstances, at once transcends the modes of material nature and becomes fit to be one with the Brahman. For, He is the abode of the immortal and immutable Brahman, eternal [[Dharma (धर्मः)|dharma]] and absolute bliss.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

It is explained in the Seventh Chapter (Jnana Vijnana Yoga) that material nature is the manifestation of the inferior energy of the Supreme Being. When a living entity conditioned by this material nature begins cultivation of spiritual knowledge, he elevates himself from the position of material existence and gradually rises up to the Brahman conception of the Supreme.

It is explained in the Seventh Chapter ([[Jnana Vijnana Yoga (ज्ञानविज्ञानयोगः)|Jnana Vijnana Yoga]]) that material nature is the manifestation of the inferior energy of the Supreme Being. When a living entity conditioned by this material nature begins cultivation of spiritual knowledge, he elevates himself from the position of material existence and gradually rises up to the Brahman conception of the Supreme.

Though in the constitutional position, a living entity is above the trigunas, association with material nature entangles one in the different modes of material nature viz. Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Due to this association, one desires to dominate the material world. By engagement in devotional service, one is immediately situated in the transcendental position and the unlawful desire to control the material nature is removed.

Though in the constitutional position, a living entity is above the trigunas, association with material nature entangles one in the different modes of material nature viz. Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Due to this association, one desires to dominate the material world. By engagement in devotional service, one is immediately situated in the transcendental position and the unlawful desire to control the material nature is removed.

== References ==

== References ==