Section XXXVIII (Bhagavad Gita Chapter XIV) - Sanjaya continues: Transcending Three Qualities, Attaining Supreme Knowledge
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XXXVIII (Bhagavad Gita Chapter XIV) including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
In this passage, Sanjaya continues to narrate the teachings of the Holy One (Krishna) to Arjuna, focusing on the supernal science of transcending the three qualities of goodness, passion, and darkness. The Holy One explains that beings are bound by these qualities, which lead to different experiences and outcomes in life. He describes how goodness leads to enlightenment and happiness, while passion and darkness bind the soul through attachment, desire, and ignorance.
The Holy One further explains that those who transcend the three qualities exhibit characteristics such as equanimity towards pleasure and pain, detachment from material possessions, and a sense of sameness towards all experiences. They remain unaffected by the changing nature of the qualities and see themselves as separate from them. By worshiping the Holy One with exclusive devotion and seeking union with the divine, one can transcend the qualities and attain immortality and eternal happiness.
The Holy One emphasizes that He is the ultimate source of Brahma, immortality, and eternal piety. By surrendering to Him completely and practicing selfless devotion, one can transcend the limitations of the three qualities and achieve unity with the divine essence. Through meditation, self-control, and unwavering faith in the Holy One, individuals can overcome the cycle of birth and death and attain liberation from the material world.
Ultimately, the key to transcending the three qualities lies in maintaining an unwavering focus on the divine, cultivating inner peace, and seeing beyond the dualities of the material world. By detaching oneself from the attachments and desires that stem from the qualities of goodness, passion, and darkness, one can elevate their consciousness and experience the true nature of the self. Liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering can be achieved by following the path of devotion, selflessness, and spiritual growth.
Full English translation:
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Section XXXVIII (Bhagavad Gita Chapter XIV), online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section XXXVIII (Bhagavad Gita Chapter XIV):
How can one transcend the three qualities of goodness, passion, and darkness?
By being unaffected by pleasure and pain, treating all equally, and worshipping the divine.
What are the signs of someone who has transcended the three qualities?
They are unaffected by pleasure or pain, treat all equally, and worship the divine exclusively.
Daily life: Sanjaya continues: Transcending Three Qualities, Attaining Supreme Knowledge:
Implementing the principles shared in the story involves cultivating a balanced approach to life's experiences. It means recognizing that qualities such as goodness, passion, and darkness influence our actions and emotions but not letting them control us entirely. To apply this wisdom in everyday life, one could strive to maintain a calm and steady mind irrespective of the external circumstances. This involves seeing beyond momentary pleasures or pains and understanding that these are transient, driven by the underlying qualities.
One practical approach is to foster an awareness of one's reactions to different situations, aiming to respond with equanimity rather than being swayed by desires, aversions, or ignorance. By nurturing a sense of detachment from the outcomes of our actions and focusing on maintaining inner balance, we can slowly transcend these qualities. Ultimately, this path leads to a state of freedom and peace, where one is not disturbed by the ups and downs of life, moving closer to a higher consciousness or spiritual nature.