Chapter 2 Verse 45
Sānkhya Yog
त्रैगुण्यविषया वेदा निस्त्रैगुण्यो भवार्जुन। निर्द्वन्द्वो नित्यसत्त्वस्थो निर्योगक्षेम आत्मवान्।।2.45।।
trai-guṇya-viṣhayā vedā nistrai-guṇyo bhavārjuna nirdvandvo nitya-sattva-stho niryoga-kṣhema ātmavān
Word Meanings
| trai-guṇya | of the three modes of material nature |
| viṣhayāḥ | subject matter |
| vedāḥ | Vedic scriptures |
| nistrai-guṇyaḥ | above the three modes of material nature, transcendental |
| bhava | be |
| arjuna | Arjun |
| nirdvandvaḥ | free from dualities |
| nitya-sattva-sthaḥ | eternally fixed in truth |
| niryoga-kṣhemaḥ | unconcerned about gain and preservation |
| ātma-vān | situated in the self |
Translation
The Vedas deal with the three attributes; be thou above these three attributes. O Arjuna, free yourself from the pairs of opposites and ever remain in the quality of Sattva, freed from acquisition and preservation, and be established in the Self.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse says the Vedas describe actions related to the three qualities (tamas, rajas, sattva). Krishna tells Arjuna to stand above those qualities — to act from the Self, not from habit, desire, or ignorance. Being "above the three" means your choices are guided by inner truth, not by changing moods.
Being "free from pairs of opposites" means you do not swing between hope and fear, praise and blame, gain and loss. "Ever remain in the quality of Sattva" points to calmness, clarity, and purity of mind. But even this steadiness is not about grabbing more or clinging to what you have; it is about being firmly established in the Self — peaceful and centered regardless of results.
In short: live with clear, steady awareness; act without attachment to gain or loss; let your inner calm be your guide rather than changing external conditions.
Life Application
- Before acting, ask: am I driven by desire, fear, or clarity? Choose the action that comes from calm understanding, not impulse.
- Practice small detachment: do your work well but let go of obsessing over outcomes (success or failure).
- Build steady habits—short daily meditation, mindful breathing, or reflective pauses—to keep your mind clear and less reactive.
Reflection Question
When did I last act from calm clarity instead of from wanting or fearing something?