Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 14.9

“Sattva attaches to happiness, rajas to action, O Bharata; tamas, veiling wisdom, attaches to negligence.”
Key Teaching: Each guna attaches the soul differently: sattva to happiness, rajas to action, tamas to negligence.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna explains that sattva attaches to happiness, rajas to action, and tamas, veiling wisdom, to negligence. This verse, continuing 14.8, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna summarizes guna effects, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, and Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he highlights bondage, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s sattvic tendencies (1.28–46) contrast with Duryodhana’s tamasic negligence (1.3–11). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.9), summarizing guna influences, and builds on tamas (14.8). Krishna clarifies their binding roles.

Philosophically, the verse encapsulates guna dynamics, a theme refined with teachings on discernment (13.9). Arjuna’s path is clarified by understanding these attachments. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga underscores liberation beyond gunas. The verse connects to teachings on bondage (5.13).

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