Verse 14-6 – Bhagavad Gita

तत्र सत्त्वं निर्मलत्वात्प्रकाशकमनामयम् \| सुखसङ्गेन बध्नाति ज्ञानसङ्गेन चानघ \|\| 6 \|\|

“Among these qualities, sattva, being pure and illuminating, binds through attachment to happiness and attachment to knowledge, O sinless one.”

Commentary Lord Krishna further elaborates on the quality of sattva (goodness) and its influence on an individual. He states that sattva is characterized by purity, clarity, and enlightenment. It is the quality that fosters goodness, knowledge, and spiritual growth.

Sattva binds individuals through two main aspects: attachment to happiness and attachment to knowledge. Attachment to happiness refers to the tendency to become attached to pleasurable experiences, material possessions, and external sources of joy. This attachment can lead to a sense of dependence, craving, and temporary satisfaction, which in turn binds the individual to the cycle of desires and material existence.

Attachment to knowledge, on the other hand, pertains to the attachment to intellectual pursuits, conceptual understanding, and the accumulation of knowledge for its own sake. While knowledge is valuable, when one becomes attached to it, there is a risk of developing pride, ego, and a limited perspective, which can hinder spiritual progress.

The term “O sinless one” (Anagha) used by Lord Krishna indicates that He is addressing Arjuna, highlighting his pure and virtuous nature. By understanding the impact of sattva and its potential attachments, one can cultivate discernment and strive for liberation beyond the influence of the gunās.

The ultimate goal is to transcend attachment to both happiness and knowledge, realizing the true nature of the self and attaining a state of inner freedom and equanimity.