“The fortitude by which one holds the activities of mind, prana, and senses through yoga, unwavering, is sattvic.”
Key Teaching: Sattvic fortitude controls mind, prana, and senses through yoga.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Dhyana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna defines sattvic fortitude as that which unwaveringly controls the mind, prana, and senses through yoga. This verse, continuing 18.32, addresses Arjuna’s quest for understanding (2.9, 13.1, 18.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna describes sattvic fortitude, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s duty, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he analyzes fortitude, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes wisdom, and Dhyana Yoga, as he highlights yoga, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s discipline (1.28–46) aligns with sattvic control, contrasting Duryodhana’s lack of restraint (1.3–11). This teaching aligns with Dhyana Yoga (6.16) and Jnana Yoga (14.6), promoting disciplined fortitude. Krishna builds on teachings about sattva (14.6, 18.26), emphasizing control.
Philosophically, this verse defines sattvic discipline, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on yoga (6.16). Arjuna’s path is clarified by mastering control. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Dhyana Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on disciplined liberation.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their disciplined clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s control, where sattvic fortitude liberates. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to perform duties with divine discipline, aligning with liberation.
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