“From sattva arises knowledge; from rajas, greed; from tamas, negligence and delusion.”
Key Teaching: Sattva yields knowledge, rajas greed, tamas delusion.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna states that sattva produces knowledge, rajas produces greed, and tamas produces negligence and delusion. This verse, continuing 14.16, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna describes guna outcomes, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, and Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he warns of bondage, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s knowledge (1.28–46) reflects sattva, contrasting Duryodhana’s greed and delusion (1.3–11). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.9), detailing guna effects, and builds on action’s fruits (14.16). Krishna clarifies their mental outcomes.
Philosophically, the verse ties gunas to mental states, a theme refined with teachings on knowledge (13.12). Arjuna’s path is clarified by fostering sattva. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga underscores liberation through knowledge. The verse connects to teachings on ignorance (13.9).
Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s mental states, where gunas shape thought. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to cultivate knowledge, aligning with moksha. The outcomes resonate with Arjuna’s need for clarity.