Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 13.22

“Purusha, seated in prakriti, experiences the gunas born of prakriti; attachment to gunas causes rebirth in good or evil wombs.”
Key Teaching: Purusha’s attachment to gunas causes rebirth.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Karma Yoga.
Description:
Krishna states that purusha, residing in prakriti, experiences its gunas, and attachment to them causes rebirth in various wombs. This verse, continuing 13.21, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna explains bondage, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he warns of rebirth, and Karma Yoga, as he links actions to consequences, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s struggle (1.28–46) reflects guna influence, contrasting Duryodhana’s attachment (1.3–11). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (14.5) and Karma Yoga (2.22), detailing gunadriven rebirth. Krishna builds on prakriti’s role (13.21).

Philosophically, the verse highlights attachment’s role in samsara, a theme refined with teachings on gunas (14.5). Arjuna’s path is clarified by detaching from gunas. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga underscores liberation through discernment. The verse connects to teachings on rebirth (14.15).

Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s cycle, where attachment binds. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to transcend gunas, aligning with moksha. The explanation resonates with Arjuna’s liberation quest.