सर्वद्वारेषु देहेऽस्मिन्प्रकाश उपजायते ।
ज्ञानं यदा तदा विद्याद्विवृद्धं सत्त्वमित्युत ॥ ११ ॥
sarva-dvāreṣhu dehe ’smin prakāśha upajāyate
jñānaṁ yadā tadā vidyād vivṛiddhaṁ sattvam ity uta
श्लोक ११: जब शरीर के सभी द्वार ज्ञान से प्रकाशित होते हैं, तो कहा जाता है कि उनमें सत्त्व प्रबल है।
Shloka 11: When all the gates of the body are illuminated by knowledge then it is said that Sattva is predominant there.
In Bhagavad Gita verse 14.11, Lord Krishna describes a key indicator of the mode of goodness (sattva) predominating in a person's life. He explains that when all the gates of the body become illuminated by knowledge, this signifies the ascendance of sattva in one's consciousness.
The verse uses a powerful metaphor comparing our body to a city with multiple gates. These "gates" refer to our nine bodily openings—the eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, genitals, and anus—through which we interact with the external world. When goodness dominates our nature, these sensory gates don't just function mechanically but become "illuminated" with discernment and clarity. This illumination represents a special quality of awareness that transforms how we perceive and interact with the world around us.
This illumination is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deeper understanding that permeates our entire being. When our senses are governed by sattva, they function with remarkable clarity and purpose. For instance, when the mode of goodness illuminates our hearing, we naturally gravitate toward uplifting sounds and meaningful conversations while filtering out destructive noise. Similarly, when our eyes are illuminated by goodness, we're drawn to beauty that elevates our consciousness rather than that which agitates or dulls it.
What's fascinating about this verse is how it connects our sensory experiences with our inner state of consciousness. Krishna teaches that the quality of our awareness directly influences how we perceive and interact with the world. In the state of goodness, there's a natural alignment between our perceptions and reality—we begin to see things as they truly are, without the distortions caused by passion (rajas) or ignorance (tamas).
The illumination that comes from the mode of goodness creates a virtuous cycle. As our senses become clearer, our decisions become wiser, which further strengthens the mode of goodness within us. We begin to naturally choose foods, activities, and environments that promote clarity and peace. Our interactions become more mindful, and we develop the ability to distinguish between what is beneficial in the long term versus what merely provides fleeting pleasure.
This state of illumination brings with it a certain lightness and peace. Unlike the restlessness that comes from passion or the heaviness that accompanies ignorance, sattva creates an atmosphere of calm alertness. Our mind becomes like a still lake, reflecting reality accurately without distortion. This clarity allows us to navigate life's complexities with wisdom rather than being swayed by momentary impulses or clouded judgment.
The beauty of Krishna's teaching in this verse lies in its practical applicability. By observing how our senses are functioning—what we're drawn to see, hear, touch, taste, and smell—we can gauge the predominant mode influencing our consciousness. If we find our senses naturally drawn toward that which brings lasting peace and clarity rather than temporary excitement or dullness, we can recognize the growing influence of goodness in our lives. This self-awareness becomes a powerful tool for spiritual growth, allowing us to consciously cultivate more sattva in our daily existence.
Experience the Bhagavad Gita in a modern avatar on the BGFA app, with videos, explanations, lessons and more!
