प्रकृतेर्गुणसम्मूढाः सज्जन्ते गुणकर्मसु ।
तानकृत्स्नविदो मन्दान्कृत्स्नविन्न विचालयेत् ॥ २९ ॥
prakṛiter guṇa-sammūḍhāḥ sajjante guṇa-karmasu
tān akṛitsna-vido mandān kṛitsna-vin na vichālayet
श्लोक २९: तीन गुणों से मोहित मनुष्य इनसे प्रभावित कार्यों में आसक्त हो जाते हैं। लेकिन जिनके पास सही ज्ञान होता है, उन्हें उन लोगों को विचलित नहीं करना चाहिए, जिनके पास सही ज्ञान नहीं है।
Shloka 29: Those deluded by the three gunas become attached to actions influenced by these qualities. But those with true knowledge should not disturb those who do not have the right understanding.
In this verse from the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna draws a clear distinction between two kinds of people: those who are deeply attached to their actions and their outcomes, and those who have acquired complete spiritual knowledge. The former group is described as being deluded by the modes of material nature, lost in the activities compelled by the three gunas—sattva, rajas, and tamas. Because of their identification with these modes, they become absorbed in material pursuits, believing that the results of their actions will bring them lasting satisfaction. This attachment arises from a lack of understanding of the deeper spiritual realities that govern life.
For those possessing full spiritual knowledge—those who clearly perceive the Self as distinct from the body, mind, and senses—Krishna gives a gentle yet profound instruction. Such enlightened souls should not attempt to disrupt or unsettle individuals who remain attached to material actions. To unsettle here means to try and force them to abandon their current path or to offer lofty, abstract teachings that they are not yet prepared to assimilate. Rather than agitating their minds, the wise are advised to allow these individuals to continue their journey at their own pace, trusting that spiritual evolution is a gradual process.
This guidance is rooted in an understanding of human nature. Individuals whose knowledge is incomplete and whose minds are clouded by the modes of nature are not easily uplifted by mere words or intellectual arguments. They are described as “mandān,” meaning dull or slow to grasp higher truths, and “akṛtsna-vidaḥ,” meaning those with partial or incomplete knowledge. When spiritual concepts are forced upon such individuals before they are ready, it can confuse, demoralize, or even repel them from the spiritual path entirely.
Krishna’s approach in this verse parallels the gentle method of teaching a child. Just as a teacher wouldn’t introduce advanced mathematics to a student who is still struggling with basic arithmetic, a spiritually advanced person should not attempt to suddenly raise someone to a higher level of understanding. Spiritual progress, like any form of learning, requires building a strong foundation. Sudden, drastic changes are rarely sustainable and can often backfire, leading to discouragement or rejection of the spiritual path.
Through this verse, the Gita emphasizes the importance of compassion and patience in interpersonal interactions, especially when dealing with those less advanced on the path of self-realization. The person with mature understanding, rather than feeling frustrated by the ignorance of others, recognizes that everyone is subject to the powerful influence of the material modes. Instead of shaking their beliefs or criticizing their attachments, the wise encourage gradual improvement through engagement and example, not confrontation or criticism.
Underlying this message is the principle that true spiritual transformation must come from within and cannot be externally imposed. Each soul is on its own unique journey, progressing according to its readiness and capacity. The enlightened know that the process of inner purification—moving from attachment to detachment, from selfishness to selflessness—cannot be accelerated through external pressure. Instead, it unfolds through a combination of right association, experience, and supportive guidance.
Moreover, the verse subtly acknowledges the inner struggle faced by those caught in the grip of the gunas. Their attachment to work and enjoyment is not a cause for condemnation, but an inevitable stage in the journey of every soul. By neither criticizing nor prematurely elevating them, the wise ensure that the natural progression toward higher understanding is preserved, and the individual is not deprived of essential lessons that only experience can provide.
Ultimately, Krishna’s instruction in this verse offers a blueprint for wisdom in action—a call to balance knowledge with empathy, and to recognize the value of every stage in the spiritual journey. The wise do not agitate or disturb, but support and empower others to move forward at a pace suited to their current state. In this way, the verse champions an approach that is realistic, nurturing, and deeply respectful of the complexity of human growth, both materially and spiritually.
Experience the Bhagavad Gita in a modern avatar on the BGFA app, with videos, explanations, lessons and more!
