Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 14.20

“Having transcended these three gunas, the embodied soul is freed from birth, death, decay, and pain, attaining immortality.”
Key Teaching: Transcending gunas frees the soul from samsara, granting immortality.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Bhakti Yoga.
Description:
Krishna explains that transcending the three gunas frees the embodied soul from birth, death, decay, and pain, granting immortality. This verse, continuing 14.19, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna describes liberation, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he highlights freedom, and Bhakti Yoga, as he implies divine union, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s spiritual aim (1.28–46) aligns with transcendence, contrasting Duryodhana’s bondage (1.3–11). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.12) and Bhakti Yoga (9.34), emphasizing liberation. Krishna builds on transcending gunas (14.19).

Philosophically, the verse underscores liberation from samsara, a theme refined with teachings on the eternal self (2.20). Arjuna’s path is clarified by transcending gunas. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga emphasizes immortality through knowledge. The verse connects to teachings on liberation (15.47).

Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s liberation, where transcendence frees. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to rise above gunas, aligning with moksha. The immortality resonates with Arjuna’s ultimate goal.