Chapter 14 Verse 9
Guṇa Traya Vibhāg Yog
सत्त्वं सुखे सञ्जयति रजः कर्मणि भारत।ज्ञानमावृत्य तु तमः प्रमादे सञ्जयत्युत।।14.9।।
sattvaṁ sukhe sañjayati rajaḥ karmaṇi bhārata jñānam āvṛitya tu tamaḥ pramāde sañjayaty uta
Word Meanings
| sattvam | mode of goodness |
| sukhe | to happiness |
| sañjayati | binds |
| rajaḥ | mode of passion |
| karmaṇi | toward actions |
| bhārata | Arjun, the son of Bharat |
| jñānam | wisdom |
| āvṛitya | clouds |
| tu | but |
| tamaḥ | mode of ignorance |
| pramāde | to delusion |
| sañjayati | binds |
| uta | indeed |
Translation
Sattva attaches to happiness, Rajas to action, O Arjuna, while Tamas, verily shrouding knowledge, attaches to heedlessness.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse shows how the three gunas shape our inner life. When sattva (goodness) is strong, it brings a calm, steady happiness that makes life feel clear and meaningful. This happiness is not based on chase or craving but on balance and wisdom.
Rajas (passion) ties us to action and drive. It pushes us to do, to achieve, and often to seek results. This energy is useful but can also bind us to restlessness, desire, and anxiety when unchecked.
Tamas (ignorance) covers and hides wisdom. It leads to carelessness, dullness, and confusion, making us ignore what is true or helpful. Each guna binds the mind in its own way, shaping how we act and what we feel.
Life Application
- Notice what drives you: calm contentment, restless doing, or dull avoidance. Name it to change it.
- Foster sattva with simple habits: regular rest, honest self-reflection, kind actions, and learning that brings clarity.
- Counter tamas by moving (walk, tidy), learning something small, and breaking routine; balance rajas by pausing before reacting.
Reflection Question
Which quality — calm clarity, restless drive, or dull inertia — is leading my choices today?