“There is no being on earth, or among the gods in heaven, free from these three gunas born of Prakriti.”
Key Teaching: No being is free from the three gunas of Prakriti.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Jnana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna states that no being on earth or among the gods is free from the three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas) born of Prakriti. This verse, continuing 18.39, addresses Arjuna’s quest for understanding (2.9, 13.1, 18.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna explains gunas’ ubiquity, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s duty, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he analyzes nature, and Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes wisdom, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s actions (1.28–46) and Duryodhana’s flaws (1.3–11) reflect gunas’ influence. This teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (14.5) and Karma Yoga (2.47), emphasizing gunas’ universal role. Krishna builds on teachings about Prakriti (14.5, 13.20), highlighting its pervasive influence.
Philosophically, this verse underscores gunas’ inevitability, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on Prakriti (13.20). Arjuna’s path is clarified by understanding gunas’ role. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Jnana Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on transcending gunas for liberation.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their universal clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s nature, where gunas govern all. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to perform duties with divine wisdom, aligning with liberation.
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