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Chapter 14 • Verse 21
The Yoga of the Division of the Three Gunas
MEANING & CONTEXT
Arjuna asks a practical question: 'Kair liṅgais trīn guṇān etān atīto bhavati prabho'—by what signs (liṅgaiḥ) is one who has transcended (atītaḥ) these three gunas (trīn guṇān etān) recognized? 'Kim-ācāraḥ kathaṁ caitāṁs trīn guṇān ativartate'—what is his conduct (ācāraḥ), and how (kathaṁ) does he transcend (ativartate) these three gunas? This is Arjuna's natural question after hearing about transcendence: how do you recognize someone who has transcended? What do they do? How do they behave? This sets up Krishna's detailed answer in the next verses, which will describe the characteristics and conduct of one who has transcended all three gunas.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
Arjuna asks a practical question: how do you recognize someone who has transcended the gunas? What do they do? How do they behave? This is a natural question after hearing about transcendence. You want to know: what does it actually look like? How do you know if someone has transcended? How do you know if you're making progress? Understanding this helps you recognize the signs of transcendence—both in others and in yourself. The next verses will describe these signs in detail, giving you practical markers to recognize transcendence.
Personal Reflection
Do you know how to recognize someone who has transcended the gunas? What signs would you look for? How would understanding these signs help you recognize your own progress?
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