Bhagavad Gita 2.45 — Rise Above the Three Modes of Nature
त्रैगुण्यविषया वेदा निस्त्रैगुण्यो भवार्जुन।
निर्द्वन्द्वो नित्यसत्त्वस्थो निर्योगक्षेम आत्मवान्॥ २.४५॥
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The Vedas deal with the three modes of nature. O Arjuna, rise above these three modes, free from dualities, ever established in sattva (purity), free from the thought of acquiring and preserving, and established in the Self.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| traiguṇyaviṣhayāḥ | dealing with the three modes of material nature |
| vedāḥ | the Vedas |
| nistraiguṇyaḥ | free from the three modes |
| bhava | become, be |
| arjuna | O Arjuna |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| nirdvandvaḥ | free from dualities |
| nityasattvasthaḥ | ever established in sattva (purity, goodness) |
| niryogakṣhemaḥ | free from concern for acquiring and preserving |
| ātmavān | established in the Self, self-possessed |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| traiguṇyaviṣhayāḥ | dealing with the three modes of material nature | nirdvandvaḥ | free from dualities |
| vedāḥ | the Vedas | nityasattvasthaḥ | ever established in sattva (purity, goodness) |
| nistraiguṇyaḥ | free from the three modes | niryogakṣhemaḥ | free from concern for acquiring and preserving |
| bhava | become, be | ātmavān | established in the Self, self-possessed |
| arjuna | O Arjuna | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
After describing the limitations of desire-driven religion, Lord Krishna now tells Arjuna what to do. He explains that the Vedas largely deal with the realm of the three guṇas and advises Arjuna to rise above them. He describes the qualities of such a person: free from dualities, ever established in purity, free from anxiety about gaining and keeping, and self-possessed.
Essence
Traiguṇya-viṣayā vedāḥ: the Vedas and the three guṇas
Lord Krishna says that the Vedas have the three guṇas as their subject matter. The three guṇas, sattva, rajas, and tamas, are the fundamental qualities of nature: clarity, activity, and inertia. The ritual portions of the Vedas largely address people who are bound by these qualities and offer ways to attain the objects of their desires within the realm of nature. Krishna is not rejecting the Vedas. He is explaining their scope.
Nistraiguṇyo bhavārjuna (become free of the three guṇas, Arjuna): This is the command of the verse. Arjuna is asked to go beyond the three guṇas, to stand in the witness-awareness that is not governed by them.
Four qualities of the one who transcends
Nirdvandva (free from dualities): Such a person is no longer tossed between pleasure and pain, honour and dishonour, success and failure. This is the same equanimity that Krishna introduced in verse 38.
Nitya-sattvastha (ever established in sattva): The word sattva here points to purity, clarity, and steadiness of mind. Commentators explain this in different ways, but the general sense is a person who remains in a state of inner clarity and truth rather than being swung by agitation or dullness.
Niryoga-kṣema (free from the anxiety of acquiring and preserving): Yoga in this context means obtaining what one does not have, and kṣema means protecting what one has. Much of our anxiety is bound up with these two concerns: how to get more and how to keep it. The person Krishna describes is free of this constant worry, trusting that their needs will be met and focusing on their duty.
Ātmavān (self-possessed): Such a person is established in the Self. Their sense of security does not depend on external things.
Message for Everyday Life (Living Without Constant Grasping)
A great deal of modern stress comes from the two-fold pressure to gain and to guard. We worry about acquiring more and fear losing what we have.
Do your duty and release the anxiety: Effort is necessary, but constant fretting over security adds nothing to it.
Anchor yourself inwardly: The more we find a source of stability within, the less we depend on circumstances for peace.
Traiguṇya-viṣayā vedāḥ: the Vedas and the three guṇas
Lord Krishna says that the Vedas have the three guṇas as their subject matter. The three guṇas, sattva, rajas, and tamas, are the fundamental qualities of nature: clarity, activity, and inertia. The ritual portions of the Vedas largely address people who are bound by these qualities and offer ways to attain the objects of their desires within the realm of nature. Krishna is not rejecting the Vedas. He is explaining their scope.
Nistraiguṇyo bhavārjuna (become free of the three guṇas, Arjuna): This is the command of the verse. Arjuna is asked to go beyond the three guṇas, to stand in the witness-awareness that is not governed by them.
Four qualities of the one who transcends
Nirdvandva (free from dualities): Such a person is no longer tossed between pleasure and pain, honour and dishonour, success and failure. This is the same equanimity that Krishna introduced in verse 38.
Nitya-sattvastha (ever established in sattva): The word sattva here points to purity, clarity, and steadiness of mind. Commentators explain this in different ways, but the general sense is a person who remains in a state of inner clarity and truth rather than being swung by agitation or dullness.
Niryoga-kṣema (free from the anxiety of acquiring and preserving): Yoga in this context means obtaining what one does not have, and kṣema means protecting what one has. Much of our anxiety is bound up with these two concerns: how to get more and how to keep it. The person Krishna describes is free of this constant worry, trusting that their needs will be met and focusing on their duty.
Ātmavān (self-possessed): Such a person is established in the Self. Their sense of security does not depend on external things.
Message for Everyday Life (Living Without Constant Grasping)
A great deal of modern stress comes from the two-fold pressure to gain and to guard. We worry about acquiring more and fear losing what we have.
Do your duty and release the anxiety: Effort is necessary, but constant fretting over security adds nothing to it.
Anchor yourself inwardly: The more we find a source of stability within, the less we depend on circumstances for peace.
Next Topic
Krishna has urged Arjuna to rise above the three guṇas and has described the qualities of one who has done so. A natural question follows: what, then, is the value of all the Vedic rituals and teachings? In the next verse He gives a memorable analogy of a small reservoir and a great flood to explain how the knower of truth relates to the scriptures.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Rise above what rises and falls.
A heart that doesn't chase and doesn't guard is at rest.
Rooted in the Self, the storms pass by.
Not needing to hold on is the greatest wealth.
A clear mind sees clearly.
Between hot and cold, be still.
Much worry is only fear of losing what you hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 'traiguṇya' (three modes of nature)?
What does 'nistraiguṇya' (free from the three modes) mean?
What does 'nityasattvastha' (ever established in sattva) mean?
What does 'niryogakṣhema' (free from acquiring and preserving) mean?
What does 'ātmavān' (established in the Self) mean?
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