त्रैगुण्यविषया वेदा निस्त्रैगुण्यो भवार्जुन | निर्द्वन्द्वो नित्यसत्त्वस्थो निर्योगक्षेम आत्मवान् || 45 || |
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“The Vedas deal with three modes of nature or Gunas. O Arjuna, free yourself from these triple qualities and the dualities. Ever calm, without material concerns, establish permanently in your true Self”
Commentary
There are three gunas or qualities that are the causes of rebirth – Sattvic (ennobling), Rajasic (activating) and Tamasic (degrading). Sattvic qualities are pure, peaceful and noble in nature that lead to wisdom and harmony. Rajasic qualities drive actions to fulfil worldly desires, activated by struggles for more wealth, possessions and power, that lead to attachments. Our planet and human life is mainly Rajasic in nature. Tamasic qualities are degrading and evil in nature, devoid of any responsibility for own welfare or the society.
Vedas propound self-disciplinary rituals to achieve material success but with the ultimate purpose of leading people to liberation. One who understands this esoteric purpose frees himself from the triple qualities and the sway of dualities – happiness and sorrow, gain and loss, likes and dislikes. This philosophy is shunned by most people as they are afraid of a tasteless and colorless existence. However, Lord Krishna urges the divine nature in everyone to taste the real, unending joy by permanently establishing the mind in the eternal Self within.