सत्त्वं सुखे सञ्जयति रज: कर्मणि भारत | ज्ञानमावृत्य तु तम: प्रमादे सञ्जयत्युत || 9 || |
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“O Arjuna, sattva binds one to happiness, while rajas binds one to actions. But know that tamas, by veiling knowledge, binds one to negligence.”
Commentary Lord Krishna explains the effects of the three gunās (qualities of nature) on individuals. Sattva represents purity, clarity, and harmony, rajas represents passion, activity, and restlessness, and tamas represents darkness, inertia, and ignorance.
On the other hand, rajas binds individuals to actions. It is characterized by restlessness, ambition, and the desire for achievement. Rajas drives individuals to pursue worldly goals and engage in various activities. It is a quality that fuels ambition and keeps one active in the pursuit of desires and accomplishments.
However, Lord Krishna highlights that tamas, by veiling knowledge, binds one to negligence. Tamas represents darkness, ignorance, and inertia. When tamas dominates, it obscures knowledge and understanding. It leads to laziness, lack of motivation, and a tendency towards negligence and carelessness.
Lord Krishna’s message to Arjuna serves as a reminder to strive for sattvic qualities in thoughts, actions, and lifestyle choices. By consciously working towards purity, clarity, and self-discipline, one can rise above the binding effects of rajas and tamas and experience greater inner harmony and spiritual awakening.