Chapter 18 Verse 40
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
न तदस्ति पृथिव्यां वा दिवि देवेषु वा पुनः।सत्त्वं प्रकृतिजैर्मुक्तं यदेभिः स्यात्ित्रभिर्गुणैः।।18.40।।
na tad asti pṛithivyāṁ vā divi deveṣhu vā punaḥ sattvaṁ prakṛiti-jair muktaṁ yad ebhiḥ syāt tribhir guṇaiḥ
Word Meanings
| na | no |
| tat | that |
| asti | exists |
| pṛithivyām | on earth |
| vā | or |
| divi | the higher celestial abodes |
| deveṣhu | amongst the celestial gods |
| vā | or |
| punaḥ | again |
| sattvam | existence |
| prakṛiti-jaiḥ | born of material nature |
| muktam | liberated |
| yat | that |
| ebhiḥ | from the influence of these |
| syāt | is |
| tribhiḥ | three |
| guṇaiḥ | modes of material nature |
Translation
There is no being on earth or in heaven among the gods that is liberated from the three qualities born of Nature.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that no being on earth or in the heavens is completely free from the three basic qualities (gunas) that come from Nature: sattva (clarity), rajas (activity/desire), and tamas (inertia/ignorance). These qualities shape how beings think, feel, and act.
Spiritually, true freedom is not found by chasing a place or title that is free of these qualities. Instead, liberation means rising above identification with these changing tendencies through inner awareness and self-knowledge. Even higher beings can be influenced by the gunas, so the work is inner transformation, not external change.
The practical path is to notice these qualities in yourself, cultivate clarity and balance (sattva) while learning not to cling to any quality. Through steady practice — discrimination, selfless action, and quieting the mind — you move from being controlled by the gunas to witnessing them.
Life Application
- Notice which guna is driving you in a moment (restless desire, dullness, or calm clarity) and respond intentionally rather than react.
- Build simple habits that increase clarity: short daily meditation, honest work without attachment to results, and balanced food and sleep.
- When you see others fail or succeed, remember everyone is shaped by nature’s qualities; practice patience and avoid harsh judgment.
Reflection Question
Which quality—calm clarity, restlessness, or dullness—most strongly influences my choices today?