Verse 18.29 : Moksha Sanyasa Yoga "Liberation and Renunciation"
Verse 29 of 78
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The Translation
“Hear now the threefold division of the intellect (Buddhi) and of fortitude (Dhriti), according to the Gunas, O Dhananjaya, as I explain them exhaustively and individually.”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna transitions to two of the most critical inner faculties of the human mind: Buddhi (intellect/judgment) and Dhriti (fortitude/willpower). In Yoga philosophy, mastering these two faculties is essential for self-governance and liberation.
Practical Application
1
Acknowledge that your capacity to judge (Buddhi) and your willpower (Dhriti) are skills you can train every day.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- Why is it that we often know what is right (Buddhi) but lack the power of will to hold onto it (Dhriti)?
- How can understanding these two faculties help us build better self-discipline?
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18.29
बुद्धेर्भेदं धृतेश्चैव गुणतस्त्रिविधं शृणु
Shankara comments that Buddhi is the deciding faculty, and Dhriti is that energy which keeps the body and senses aligned to that decision. When both are purified by Sattva, the path to self-realization becomes clear and stable. He notes that Krishna is explaining these in detail to aid introspection.