In this chapter eighteen and in this section (that is from verse 19 – 28) Bhagavan Krishna explains about the threefold Knowledge (jnana), action (karma), actor (karta) based on the three gunas of nature.

Knowledge (Jnana)

Sattvic knowledge – That by which one sees the one indestructible Reality in all beings is the sattvic knowledge.  That knowledge that sees no difference in all objects that are perceived, is pure.  The seer beholds the one all-pervading imperishable substance or essence behind the seeming diversity of the objects.  He beholds unity in diversity.  One in many and all in one.  Just as the ether in indivisible, so also, the Self in indivisible.  the Self is the same in all bodies.  It is the common Consciousness in all bodies.  This direct and right perception of the non-dual Self is the sattvic knowledge (jnana).

Rajasic knowledge – The knowledge that is led by the idea of separateness is rajasic or passionate.  Seeing the manifold creation through the veil of separation is rajasic.  It deludes even the wise man.  Every being appears as separate.  The knowledge that beholds multiplicity in created objects and differentiates them as big and small according to size, position or status is said as rajasic.  A man with rajasic knowledge sees diversity everywhere.

Tamasic knowledge – The knowledge which regards that each and every object or being exists by itself and is perfect by itself is said as tamasic knowledge.  Thinking that the body is the Self, assuming that God is there in the temples only and there is no God outside the temple etc.   They do not see things in the True light.  It is narrow thinking and gives small finite results.  That knowledge is devoid of the power of discrimination.

Action (karma)

Sattvic karma – The action which is done without any attachment, done without love or hatred by one who is not desirous of any reward, that action is declared to be sattvic. Performance of an action without any attachment gives great joy in the end.  One must offer the work in the feet of the lord as an offering.

Rajasic karma – The action which is done by one longing for the fulfilment of desires or done with egoism or with much effort is declared as Rajasic karma.  A passionate man performs action to boost of his ego.  His motive is only the profit, name and fame.  He becomes very agitated when his actions are not recognised or appreciated.  He can never work without the expectation of the results.  Even for performing the ordained duties he expects appreciation and recognition.

Tamasic karma – That action which done under delusion, without the regard of the consequences, loss, injury and one’s own integrity is declared to be Tamasic karma.  Tamasic karma can cause harm to others.  He is unable to differentiate between the good and the bad.

Agent or doer (Karta)

Sattvic Karta – A doer who is free from attachment, non-egoistic, endowed with firmness and enthusiasm and unaffected by success or failure is called a pure sattvic karta.

Rajasic karta – Passionate, desiring to obtain the reward of actions, greedy, cruel, impure, moved by joy and sorrow, such an agent is said to be Rajasic karta.  A Rajasic karta is the abode of sins and he is greedy of the whole world.  He strictly keeps his gains to himself and refuses to share with others.  If he fails in an attempt then he is overcome by grief.  He injures others, and have an eye for others wealth and money.  They lack internal and external purity, lustful, angry, lazy, proud and unforgiving.

Tamasic karta – A doer who is adamant, determined to spoil others, work by instinct, not planning, vulgar, unbending, cheating and malicious.  He cannot distinguish between the proper and improper actions.  His heart is filled with vanity; he will never prostrate between a Sage or a deity.  He is very stiff and unbending, has always an inclination to do evil actions.  Interested in creating quarrels among people.

Bhagavan Krishna talks more about how the three gunas affects our nature in this chapter which will be continues in my next article.

Continued….