Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 14.10

“Sattva rises by suppressing rajas and tamas; rajas by suppressing sattva and tamas; tamas by suppressing sattva and rajas.”
Key Teaching: Gunas dominate by suppressing each other.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna explains that sattva dominates by suppressing rajas and tamas, rajas by suppressing sattva and tamas, and tamas by suppressing sattva and rajas. This verse, continuing 14.9, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna describes guna dynamics, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, and Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he highlights transcendence, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s shifting states (1.28–46) reflect guna interplay, contrasting Duryodhana’s tamasic dominance (1.3–11). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.9), explaining guna fluctuations, and builds on guna attachments (14.9). Krishna details their dynamic interplay.

Philosophically, the verse reveals the gunas’ cyclical dominance, a theme refined with teachings on balance (6.16). Arjuna’s path is clarified by understanding guna shifts. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga underscores liberation beyond gunas. The verse connects to teachings on equilibrium (6.16).

Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s fluctuations, where gunas vie for dominance. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to transcend guna cycles, aligning with moksha. The dynamics resonate with Arjuna’s need for stability.