Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 14.6

“Of these, sattva, being pure, is illuminating and healthy; it binds by attachment to happiness and knowledge, O sinless one.”
Key Teaching: Sattva binds through attachment to happiness and knowledge.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna describes sattva as pure, illuminating, and healthy, but binding the soul through attachment to happiness and knowledge. This verse, continuing 14.5, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna explains sattva, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, and Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he highlights bondage, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s sattvic nature (1.28–46) reflects this quality, contrasting Duryodhana’s tamas (1.3–11). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.9), detailing sattva’s effects, and builds on the gunas’ introduction (14.5). Krishna explains sattva’s subtle bondage.

Philosophically, the verse reveals sattva’s dual nature, a theme refined with teachings on detachment (6.35). Arjuna’s path is clarified by transcending even sattvic attachment. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga underscores liberation beyond gunas. The verse connects to teachings on knowledge (13.12).

Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s subtle bondage, where even purity binds. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to transcend sattva, aligning with moksha. The description resonates with Arjuna’s pursuit of clarity.