Chapter 18, Verse 29 (Bhagavad Gita 18.29)
Chapter 18: Mokṣha Sanyās Yog – Yoga through the Perfection of Renunciation and Surrender
Sanskrit Shloka
बुद्धेर्भेदं धृतेश्चैव गुणतस्त्रिविधं श्रृणु।प्रोच्यमानमशेषेण पृथक्त्वेन धनञ्जय
Transliteration
buddher bhedaṁ dhṛiteśh chaiva guṇatas tri-vidhaṁ śhṛiṇu prochyamānam aśheṣheṇa pṛithaktvena dhanañjaya
Word Meanings
buddheḥ—of intellect; bhedam—the distinctions; dhṛiteḥ—of determination; cha—and; eva—certainly; guṇataḥ tri-vidham—according to the three modes of material nature; śhṛiṇu—hear; prochyamānam—described; aśheṣheṇa—in detail; pṛithaktvena—distinctly; dhanañjaya—conqueror of wealth, Arjun
Translation
O Arjuna, hear now the threefold classification of the intellect and the firmness according to the Gunas, as I declare them fully and distinctly unto you.
Meaning & Commentary
In this verse, Bhagwan Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, begins a profound analytical teaching to guide the soul toward liberation. By categorizing the intellect and the will according to the three modes of material nature, Lord Krishna reveals the mechanics of human consciousness and how it becomes bound or liberated. He invites Arjuna, and through him all of humanity, to discern the quality of their own discernment, as true spiritual progress requires moving beyond the darkness and passion of the material world. As the eternal teacher, Shri Krishna provides this knowledge so that a seeker may align their faculty of understanding with divine truth. Understanding these divisions is essential for the devotee to purify their intellect and gain the firm resolve necessary to reach the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.