Chapter 14, Verse 21
अर्जुन उवाच |
कैर्लिङ्गैस्त्रीन्गुणानेतानतीतो भवति प्रभो |
किमाचार: कथं चैतांस्त्रीन्गुणानतिवर्तते ॥ 21 ॥
arjuna uvāca
kair liṅgais trīn guṇān etān atīto bhavati prabho
kim ācāraḥ kathaṃ caitāṃs trīn guṇān ativartate
"Arjuna said: O Lord, by what signs is one known who has transcended these three modes of nature? What is his conduct, and how does he go beyond these three qualities?"
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 14.21 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 14.21 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
In this verse, Arjuna poses three pivotal questions to Shri Krishna regarding the state of 'Gunatita' (one who has risen above the three modes of material nature: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas). He seeks to understand: 1) The 'lingais' (symptoms/marks) that identify such a person, 2) The 'acharah' (conduct/behavior) of such a soul in the world, and 3) The 'vidhi' (process/method) by which one actually achieves this transcendence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 14.21?
Arjuna said: O Lord, by what signs is one known who has transcended these three modes of nature? What is his conduct, and how does he go beyond these three qualities?