Chapter 18, Verse 19
Moksha Sanyaas Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
jñānam—knowledge; karma—action; cha—and; kartā—doer; cha—also; tridhā—of three kinds; eva—certainly; guṇa-bhedataḥ—distinguished according to the three modes of material nature; prochyate—are declared; guṇa-saṅkhyāne—Sānkhya philosophy, which describes the modes of material nature; yathā-vat—as they are; śhṛiṇu—listen; tāni—them; api—also
English translation
Knowledge, action, and actor are declared in the science of the Gunas (Sankhya philosophy) to be of three kinds only, according to the distinction of the Gunas. Of these, hear duly.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 18.19
Commentary
The three qualities overpower the whole of creation with their special nature and bring it entirely under their control. The nature of action; the actor and his knowledge are threefold according to the Gunas that is predominant. If all the three are Sattvic; then the action will not bind the man. Karta The doer of the actions. The science of the Gunas here referred to is Kapilas system of philosophy. Though the Sankhya system is opposed to Vedanta with reference to the Supreme Truth; viz.; the oneness or nonduality of Brahman; yet it is an authority on the science of the Gunas. I shall describe knowledge; action and actor; as also their various distinctions caused by different Gunas; scientifically and rationally. Hear My teachings; O Arjuna; with rapt attention. You will be immensely benefited.
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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