“Know that states of sattva, rajas, and tamas arise from Me; I am not in them, but they are in Me.”
Key Teaching: Krishna is the source of sattva, rajas, and tamas, but transcends them.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Vijnana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that the three gunas—sattva, rajas, and tamas—arise from him, but he is not in them; they are in him. This verse, continuing 7.11, addresses Arjuna’s need for cosmic clarity (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies gunas, and Jnana Vijnana Yoga, as he emphasizes transcendence, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s confusion (1.28–46) reflects influence of gunas. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s tamasic actions (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to transcend gunas for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 7.6).
Philosophically, this verse addresses the human bondage to gunas, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on transcendence (4.14). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to understand divine transcendence. The theme of Jnana Vijnana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on divine realization.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its transcendent clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s qualities, where Krishna transcends all. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with transcendent awareness, aligning with liberation.
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