Chapter 18 Verse 21
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
पृथक्त्वेन तु यज्ज्ञानं नानाभावान्पृथग्विधान्।वेत्ति सर्वेषु भूतेषु तज्ज्ञानं विद्धि राजसम्।।18.21।।
pṛithaktvena tu yaj jñānaṁ nānā-bhāvān pṛithag-vidhān vetti sarveṣhu bhūteṣhu taj jñānaṁ viddhi rājasam
Word Meanings
| pṛithaktvena | unconnected |
| tu | however |
| yat | which |
| jñānam | knowledge |
| nānā-bhāvān | manifold entities |
| pṛithak-vidhān | of diversity |
| vetti | consider |
| sarveṣhu | in all |
| bhūteṣhu | living entities |
| tat | that |
| jñānam | knowledge |
| viddhi | know |
| rājasam | in the mode of passion |
Translation
But that knowledge which sees in all beings various entities of distinct kinds as being distinct from one another, know thou that knowledge to be Rajasic.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that a kind of knowledge that notices and emphasizes the many separate kinds of beings is Rajasic. "Rajasic" means it comes from desire, attachment, and restlessness. Such knowledge focuses on difference and separation.
Seeing only differences tends to create comparison, pride, fear, and constant activity. It keeps the mind tied to goals, likes, and dislikes instead of freeing it. Spiritual knowledge that leads to peace looks beyond surface differences to the common life in all beings.
That does not mean ignoring practical differences. Discernment is useful, but when it becomes clinging to division or leads to selfish action, it is Rajasic rather than liberating.
Life Application
- Notice when you label or judge others; pause and try to see their basic needs and feelings before reacting.
- Do your daily duties with awareness, without letting differences (status, opinion, background) provoke anger or pride.
- Practice small acts of kindness to remind yourself of the shared life beneath external differences.
Reflection Question
When I meet someone different, do I first see separation or our common humanity?