Verse 18.19 : Moksha Sanyasa Yoga "Liberation and Renunciation"
Verse 19 of 78
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The Translation
“Knowledge, action, and the doer are declared in the science of the modes (Gunas) to be of three kinds, according to the distinction of the Gunas. Hear now about these as they are.”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna explains that the quality of our knowledge, action, and doership is determined by the dominant Guna (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) in our personality. He references the science of Gunas (guṇa-saṅkhyāne) to provide a comprehensive framework for self-evaluation.
Practical Application
1
Notice the quality of your focus and action throughout the day: is it calm and unified (Sattva), restless (Rajas), or lazy (Tamas)?
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- Why is it helpful to understand that our intellect, work habits, and ego are not fixed, but are fluid states shaped by the Gunas?
- How can we use this classification to diagnose our own mental states and shift toward Sattva?
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18.19
ज्ञानं कर्म च कर्ताच त्रिधैव गुणभेदतः
Shankara comments that Kapila's Samkhya system is referenced here as 'guṇa-saṅkhyāne' because it is the pre-eminent system that analyzes the modes of nature and their modifications. Krishna uses this framework to show how the Jiva can transcend all material categories by cultivating Sattva first.