Bhagavatgita a detailed study-chapter3-karmayoga

December 20, 2008

28. thathvavith thu mahabaho gunakarmavibhaagayoH

gunaaH guNeshu varthanatha ithi mathvaa na sajjathe

But the enlightened one who knows to distinguish the guNas and their works, is not attached, with the view that the guNas are operating on their respective counterparts.

What is meant by distinguishing gunas and their works? The three gunas exist in every one in different proportions. Their actions will also be according to the three gunas. The wise view the gunas as being separate from them because they do not identify themselves with their body, mind and intellect and do not think "I am the doer," as the ignorant do. He understands when he is doing anything it is the gunas in him interacting with the gunas ourtside and hence he is not affected and remains detached.

29. prakrtheH guna sammoDaah sajjamnthe guNakarmasu

thaan akrsthnavidhaH mandhaan krthsnavith na

vichaalayeth

Those who are deluded by the gunas get attached to them and their works. Those who know everything should not disturb them who do not know at all.

Krishna reiterates what is said in the sloka 26. Ignorance of the real nature of prakrthi and its evolutes makes one feel that he is the doer andas ahe gets attached to the works. . The wise as explained earlier should not disturb them because until they have the knowledge about prakrthi and its gunas it is not possible to enlighten them and will result only in creating confusion in their minds.