Chapter 14, Verse 22

श्रीभगवानुवाच | प्रकाशं च प्रवृत्तिं च मोहमेव च पाण्डव | न द्वेष्टि सम्प्रवृत्तानि न निनिवृत्तानि काङ् क्षति ॥22॥

śrī-bhagavān uvāca | prakāśaṁ ca pravṛttiṁ ca moham eva ca pāṇḍava | na dveṣṭi sampravṛttāni na nivṛttāni kāṅkṣati ||

"The Blessed Lord said: O son of Pandu, he neither dislikes illumination, activity, and delusion when they appear, nor does he long for them when they disappear."

Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 14.22 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.

Detailed Meaning

In this verse, Krishna describes the psychological state of the 'Gunatita'—one who has transcended the three modes of material nature (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas). The three states mentioned correspond to these modes: 'Prakāśam' (light/knowledge) represents Sattva; 'Pravṛttim' (activity/restlessness) represents Rajas; and 'Moham' (delusion/inertia) represents Tamas. A realized soul understands that these qualities belong to the mind and material energy, not to the eternal Self. Therefore, they observe the ebb and flow of these states with equanimity. They do not feel hatred or aversion (na dveṣṭi) when these states arise, nor do they feel a sense of lack or longing (na kāṅkṣati) when they subside. This is the art of spiritual witnessing (Sakshi-bhava).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core message of Gita 14.22?

The Blessed Lord said: O son of Pandu, he neither dislikes illumination, activity, and delusion when they appear, nor does he long for them when they disappear.

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