Chapter 14 Verse 17
Guṇa Traya Vibhāg Yog
सत्त्वात्सञ्जायते ज्ञानं रजसो लोभ एव च।प्रमादमोहौ तमसो भवतोऽज्ञानमेव च।।14.17।।
sattvāt sañjāyate jñānaṁ rajaso lobha eva cha pramāda-mohau tamaso bhavato ’jñānam eva cha
Word Meanings
| sattvāt | from the mode of goodness |
| sañjāyate | arises |
| jñānam | knowledge |
| rajasaḥ | from the mode of passion |
| lobhaḥ | greed |
| eva | indeed |
| cha | and |
| pramāda | negligence |
| mohau | delusion |
| tamasaḥ | from the mode of ignorance |
| bhavataḥ | arise |
| ajñānam | ignorance |
| eva | indeed |
| cha | and |
Translation
From Sattva arises knowledge, and greed from Rajas; heedlessness and delusion arise from Tamas, and also ignorance.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse says our inner qualities shape how we think and act. When the quality of goodness (sattva) is strong, clear understanding and wisdom arise. When passion and restlessness (rajas) dominate, desire and greed grow. When darkness and inertia (tamas) prevail, carelessness, delusion, and ignorance follow.
These three tendencies are not fixed traits but forces that influence our choices. By seeing which tendency is guiding us, we can choose habits and actions that bring more clarity and less confusion.
True spiritual growth is about increasing clarity (sattva), using energy (rajas) in a balanced way, and reducing dullness or avoidance (tamas) so we act with awareness and wisdom.
Life Application
- Start the day with a short quiet practice (breath, reading, or reflection) to strengthen clarity and calm choices.
- Notice impulses and desires before acting; ask if they come from need or from restlessness, and set small limits to reduce greed.
- Break dull habits with light movement, fresh food, and meaningful tasks to lift energy and reduce confusion.
Reflection Question
Which of the three qualities—clarity, restlessness, or dullness—has been guiding my choices today?