तत्त्ववित्तु महाबाहो गुणकर्मविभागयोः ।
गुणा गुणेषु वर्तन्त इति मत्वा न सज्जते ॥ २८ ॥
tattva-vit tu mahā-bāho guṇa-karma-vibhāgayoḥ
guṇā guṇeṣhu vartanta iti matvā na sajjate
श्लोक २८: हे महाबाहु, लेकिन एक जागृत मनुष्य समझता है कि केवल इंद्रियाँ ही इंद्रिय वस्तुओं से संलग्न होती हैं और ये दोनों ही भौतिक गुणों से उत्पन्न होते हैं। इसलिए यह समझकर कि केवल गुण ही सक्रिय होते हैं, वे आसक्त नहीं होते।
Shloka 28: But an enlightened person, O mighty-armed one, understands that it’s only the senses which are engaged with the sense objects, and both are products of the gunas. Thus, understanding that it’s only the gunas which are active, they do not become attached.
In Bhagavad Gita verse 3.28, Lord Krishna addresses Arjuna as "mighty-armed one" (mahā-bāho) while explaining a profound philosophical concept about the nature of work and attachment. Krishna reveals that a person with true knowledge (tattva-vit) understands the distinction between the self and the material elements that surround us.
This verse highlights the fundamental difference between someone who works with attachment versus someone who works with detachment. The key differentiating factor is knowledge - specifically, knowledge of the Absolute Truth. A person who possesses this understanding recognizes that they are not the physical body but rather a spiritual being. They understand that the senses (guṇāḥ) naturally engage with sense objects (guṇeṣu), but they themselves are separate from this interaction.
Krishna explains that a knower of truth comprehends the distinction between guṇa (the modes of material nature) and karma (actions). This person understands that everything in the material world operates according to these natural forces - the three modes of material nature (sattva, rajas, and tamas) are constantly interacting with one another. The enlightened individual realizes that these interactions happen automatically, like a machine functioning according to its programming, without requiring their identification or attachment.
When we misidentify with our physical bodies, we naturally develop desires related to bodily pleasure and comfort. For instance, if someone identifies with their physical appearance, they might crave admiration from others or seek relationships based on physical attraction. This misidentification leads to material expectations from our work, creating attachment to outcomes. The cycle continues as we pursue sensual gratification, believing it will bring lasting happiness.
In contrast, a tattva-vit (knower of truth) recognizes their spiritual identity as distinct from the material body. This understanding fundamentally changes their relationship with the world. They can still engage in all necessary activities and responsibilities, but they do so without becoming entangled in expectations for material rewards. They understand that the senses will naturally interact with sense objects, but they don't identify with these interactions or become attached to them.
This verse offers profound insight into how we can live in the material world without becoming captive to it. It doesn't advocate renouncing activities or responsibilities, but rather suggests a shift in consciousness while performing them. The enlightened person doesn't withdraw from action but engages with a different awareness - knowing that they are not the doer but rather an instrument through which action flows. This understanding allows them to remain unattached (na sajjate) even while fully participating in life.
Krishna's teaching in this verse presents a practical philosophy for navigating modern life with its endless sensory stimulations and material temptations. By understanding our true spiritual nature, we can engage with the world meaningfully without becoming enslaved by desires for sense gratification. This balanced approach allows us to fulfill our responsibilities while maintaining inner peace and clarity. It's not about escaping the world, but rather seeing it clearly for what it is - a temporary arrangement of material elements distinct from our eternal spiritual nature.
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