Chapter 14, Verse 10 (Bhagavad Gita 14.10)
Chapter 14: Guṇa Traya Vibhāg Yog – Yoga through Understanding the Three Modes of Material Nature
Sanskrit Shloka
रजस्तमश्चाभिभूय सत्त्वं भवति भारत।रजः सत्त्वं तमश्चैव तमः सत्त्वं रजस्तथा
Transliteration
rajas tamaśh chābhibhūya sattvaṁ bhavati bhārata rajaḥ sattvaṁ tamaśh chaiva tamaḥ sattvaṁ rajas tathā
Word Meanings
rajaḥ—mode of passion; tamaḥ—mode of ignorance; cha—and; abhibhūya—prevails; sattvam—mode of goodness; bhavati—becomes; bhārata—Arjun, the son of Bharat; rajaḥ—mode of passion; sattvam—mode of goodness; tamaḥ—mode of ignorance; cha—and; eva—indeed; tamaḥ—mode of ignorance; sattvam—mode of goodness; rajaḥ—mode of passion; tathā—also
Translation
O descendant of Bharata, sometimes goodness (Sattva) prevails, having conquered passion (Rajas) and ignorance (Tamas); at other times passion (Rajas) prevails, having conquered goodness (Sattva) and ignorance (Tamas); and at other times ignorance (Tamas) prevails, having conquered goodness (Sattva) and passion (Rajas).
Meaning & Commentary
In this profound revelation, Bhagwan Shri Krishna explains to Arjuna the fluid and competitive nature of the three Gunas that govern the material existence of every soul. He unveils the cosmic reality that our consciousness is in a state of constant flux, where these forces rise and fall like waves in an ocean. Shri Krishna invites the seeker to recognize these shifts, teaching us that true spiritual maturity lies in observing these modes without being enslaved by them. By understanding this interplay, the devotee learns to transcend the binding influence of the material world and anchor themselves in the eternal consciousness of the Supreme Lord. Ultimately, this knowledge serves as a vital tool for the seeker to transcend these Gunas and attain the state of liberation, moving toward the lotus feet of Yogeshwar Krishna.