Chapter 18 Verse 29
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
बुद्धेर्भेदं धृतेश्चैव गुणतस्त्रिविधं श्रृणु।प्रोच्यमानमशेषेण पृथक्त्वेन धनञ्जय।।18.29।।
buddher bhedaṁ dhṛiteśh chaiva guṇatas tri-vidhaṁ śhṛiṇu prochyamānam aśheṣheṇa pṛithaktvena dhanañjaya
Word Meanings
| buddheḥ | of intellect |
| bhedam | the distinctions |
| dhṛiteḥ | of determination |
| cha | and |
| eva | certainly |
| guṇataḥ tri-vidham | according to the three modes of material nature |
| śhṛiṇu | hear |
| prochyamānam | described |
| aśheṣheṇa | in detail |
| pṛithaktvena | distinctly |
| dhanañjaya | conqueror of wealth, Arjun |
Translation
Hear thou the threefold division of intellect and firmness, according to the Gunas, as I declare them fully and distinctly, O Arjuna.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
God tells Arjuna that the way we think (intellect) and the way we hold to decisions (firmness) come in three kinds, based on the gunas. He will explain these kinds clearly and in detail.
Sattva gives clear, peaceful, and steady understanding. Rajas brings restless, desire-driven thinking and a forceful but unstable will. Tamas causes dull, confused thought and weak or careless resolve.
By recognizing these patterns in ourselves we can understand why we act the way we do and how to grow. This knowledge is practical: it helps us choose habits that increase clarity and steady determination.
Life Application
- Notice your mindset before making choices: calm and clear, agitated and driven, or confused and lazy. Name it.
- Build steady resolve by simple sattvic practices: regular sleep, focused study or prayer, small disciplined actions, and serving others.
- When dealing with others, respond with patience and help guide them toward clarity instead of blaming them for their mood or actions.
Reflection Question
Which guna is guiding my thinking and resolve right now?