Chapter 18: Moksha-sannyasa-yoga: / Verse 29

Krishna enters into a very delicate explanation on how even the intelligence, noted for its rationality and penetration, is subject to the triple notes gunas generate. Intelligence can reason wrongly or rightly according to its own tendencies. A preconceived notion may condition its effort, and lead to harmful and dangerous assessments and conclusions. Therefore, great care and caution are necessary.

To understand anything in detail is one thing. But to follow that knowledge and implement it faithfully in thought, word and deed is altogether different. The second part comes under will (dhrti). The threefold distinction gunas bring about is also applicable to will. Krishna wants everyone to understand the intricacies of human psyche and cultivate the right kind of ingenuity. It is a very rare discussion, providing immense benefit not only to the seeker but to all concerned.

Pravrtti, actional involvement, and nivrtti, its reverse, namely withdrawal from action, dis-involvement, are two basic spiritual concepts to be clearly understood. So too bondage and freedom. How to be fearless in place of fearful, also needs to be known and pursued distinctly by the intelligence.

It is a cultural reformation the intelligence has to undergo to be truly enlightened and effective. Sāttvika quality implies illumination and strength the intelligence imbibes, whereby it is able to gain the desired clarity and excellence during interactional life. Finally the intelligence must efficiently discern where lies bondage and what leads to liberation.

Earlier in the 4th chapter, Krishna had taken up an analysis of what is karma (action), and what constitutes akarma (non-action) (4.17,18). This is in a way an extension therefrom.