Chapter 14: Guṇa-traya-vibhāga-yoga: – Understanding and Transcending the Three Qualities of NatureVerse 21
अर्जुन उवाच ।
कैर्लिङ्गैस्त्रीन्गुणानेतानतीतो भवति प्रभो ।
किमाचार: कथं चैतांस्त्रीन्गुणानतिवर्तते ॥
arjuna uvāca
kairliṅgais-trīn-guṇān-etān-
atīto bhavati prabho
kim-ācāra: kathaṃ caitāṃs-
trīn-guṇān-ativartate – 14.21
Arjuna said: O Lord, what are the characteristics of a person, which make him transcend these three guṇas? How does he behave, and by what pursuit does he rise above these three guṇas?
Chapter 14: Guṇa-traya-vibhāga-yoga: – Understanding and Transcending the Three Qualities of Nature - Verse 21
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
Arjuna is sensitive enough to raise a pertinent question here, like what he did in the 2nd chapter (2.54) on hearing Krishna declare when a seeker attains yoga (2.53). Then Arjuna enquired about sthita-prajña and sthita-dhee, which led to a very subtle discussion in spiritual exposition. Krishna’s reply there marks a very special portion in the Gita dialogue.
Here too Arjuna comes up with such a relevant question. He seeks to know what are the characteristics of a person who transcends the bondages created by the three guṇas, and by what means and practices, can one rise above the hold of the three guṇas. He wants Krishna to detail these special features and practices. Is there any special discipline to be observed or insights to be gained and pursued for the purpose? Despite Prakrti exercising its guṇa-effects, how can one become free?
