Bhagavad Gita 3.29 — The Deluded Are Attached; the Wise Should Not Unsettle Them
प्रकृतेर्गुणसम्मूढाः सज्जन्ते गुणकर्मसु ।
तानकृत्स्नविदो मन्दान्कृत्स्नविन्न विचालयेत् ॥ ३.२९ ॥
🔊 Listen to meaning of this shloka
Current voice: —
Ready
Text-to-speech is not supported by this browser.
Those who are deluded by the modes of nature become attached to the actions of the modes. One who has complete knowledge should not unsettle those of imperfect knowledge and dull understanding.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| prakṛiteḥ | of material nature |
| guṇasammūḍhāḥ | deluded by the modes |
| sajjante | become attached |
| guṇakarmasu | to the actions of the modes |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tān | those |
| akṛitsnavidaḥ | of imperfect knowledge, who know only partially |
| mandān | of dull understanding, the slow-witted |
| kṛitsnavit | one who has complete knowledge |
| na | should not |
| vichālayet | unsettle, disturb |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| prakṛiteḥ | of material nature | tān | those |
| guṇasammūḍhāḥ | deluded by the modes | akṛitsnavidaḥ | of imperfect knowledge, who know only partially |
| sajjante | become attached | mandān | of dull understanding, the slow-witted |
| guṇakarmasu | to the actions of the modes | kṛitsnavit | one who has complete knowledge |
| na | should not | ||
| vichālayet | unsettle, disturb | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna concludes the teaching on the guṇas and attachment with a note of compassion. Those who are deluded by the guṇas remain attached to their actions, and the wise, who know the whole, should not unsettle those who do not.
Essence
Patience with the less-informed
Lord Krishna says: "Those deluded by the guṇas of prakṛti remain attached to the actions of the guṇas. The one who knows the whole (kṛtsna-vit) should not disturb those dull-witted people who do not know the whole (akṛtsna-vid)."
Prakṛter guṇa-sammūḍhāḥ (those bewildered by the guṇas): These people identify strongly with the body, mind and results of action. Their sense of worth, security and happiness rests on what they achieve or possess.
Saṅjante guṇa-karmasu (they are attached to the actions of the guṇas): Because they believe themselves to be the doers and enjoyers, they cling to the fruits of their work.
Kṛtsna-vit (the one who knows the whole): This is the person with a broad vision, who understands the Self, nature and the relationship between them.
Mandān akṛtsna-vido (the slow or less-informed who do not see the whole): The word manda does not imply contempt but describes those whose understanding is still developing, not those who are worthless.
Na vicālayet (should not disturb): The wise should not shake their confidence or discourage their efforts with teachings they are not ready to receive.
Compassion as the mark of knowledge
This verse echoes verse 26 and ensures that knowledge does not turn into arrogance. True wisdom is gentle. A person who truly understands knows that everyone is on a journey and that growth cannot be forced.
It also reinforces the practical lesson of the section: continue to engage in right action, lead by example, and allow others to progress at their own pace.
Message for Everyday Life (Patience Is Part of Wisdom)
When you gain insight, there may be a temptation to correct, argue or feel superior. Remember how long it took you to arrive at your own understanding.
Choose kindness over correction: Offer support, answer sincere questions, and model what you believe. Trust that each person will grow when they are ready.
Patience with the less-informed
Lord Krishna says: "Those deluded by the guṇas of prakṛti remain attached to the actions of the guṇas. The one who knows the whole (kṛtsna-vit) should not disturb those dull-witted people who do not know the whole (akṛtsna-vid)."
Prakṛter guṇa-sammūḍhāḥ (those bewildered by the guṇas): These people identify strongly with the body, mind and results of action. Their sense of worth, security and happiness rests on what they achieve or possess.
Saṅjante guṇa-karmasu (they are attached to the actions of the guṇas): Because they believe themselves to be the doers and enjoyers, they cling to the fruits of their work.
Kṛtsna-vit (the one who knows the whole): This is the person with a broad vision, who understands the Self, nature and the relationship between them.
Mandān akṛtsna-vido (the slow or less-informed who do not see the whole): The word manda does not imply contempt but describes those whose understanding is still developing, not those who are worthless.
Na vicālayet (should not disturb): The wise should not shake their confidence or discourage their efforts with teachings they are not ready to receive.
Compassion as the mark of knowledge
This verse echoes verse 26 and ensures that knowledge does not turn into arrogance. True wisdom is gentle. A person who truly understands knows that everyone is on a journey and that growth cannot be forced.
It also reinforces the practical lesson of the section: continue to engage in right action, lead by example, and allow others to progress at their own pace.
Message for Everyday Life (Patience Is Part of Wisdom)
When you gain insight, there may be a temptation to correct, argue or feel superior. Remember how long it took you to arrive at your own understanding.
Choose kindness over correction: Offer support, answer sincere questions, and model what you believe. Trust that each person will grow when they are ready.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has completed His explanation of the guṇas, the ego's false claim of doership, and the compassion the wise should show. In the next verse, He gives Arjuna the practical summary of all this: to surrender every action to Him, with the mind fixed on the Self, free from hope and ego, and to fight without mental fever.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Everyone is somewhere on the path; do not mock their step.
The more complete your knowledge, the gentler your approach.
Honor people's pace of learning.
Do not shake what you cannot rebuild.
Understanding ripens in its own season.
Guide, do not disturb.
Wisdom shows itself in how it treats the unaware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'guṇa-sammūḍha' (deluded by the modes) mean?
What does 'akṛitsna-vit' (one of imperfect knowledge) imply?
Who is the 'kṛitsna-vit' (one with complete knowledge)?
Why does Krishna say they should not be 'vichālayet' (unsettled)?
How is this verse related to the previous teachings in this chapter?
Explore related topics
More shlokas on the themes this verse touches: