Verse 14.9 : Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga "Three Modes of Nature"
Verse 9 of 27
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The Translation
“Sattva binds one to happiness, Rajas binds one to action, O Bharata; while Tamas, shrouding knowledge, binds one to negligence.”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna distills the primary psychological traps of the three modes into a single, memorable verse, showing what each guna attaches the mind to.
Practical Application
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Audit your mind right now: are you seeking comfort (Sattva), rushing to get things done (Rajas), or feeling distracted/lazy (Tamas)? Adjust your state.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- Observe your mind right now. Are you seeking quiet comfort (Sattva), eager to do something active (Rajas), or feeling dull and sleepy (Tamas)? How do these three balance in your typical day?
- Why is 'covering knowledge' (jñānam āvṛtya) the primary mechanism of Tamas? How does confusion lead to bad decisions?
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14.9
सत्त्वं सुखे सञ्जयति रजः कर्मणि भारत
The Lord shows how each guna acts as a specific binding force. Sattva brings quietude; Rajas brings restless activity; Tamas blocks the intellect and leads to carelessness. The wise seeker must learn to observe these three states without identifying with them.