Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga
The three modes of material nature (sattva, rajas, tamas) are described. Understanding these qualities helps transcend material existence.
Sattvam rajas tama iti gunah prakriti-sambhavah, nibadhnanti maha-baho dehe dehinam avyayam
The three gunas—sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance)—born of material nature, bind the eternal soul to the body.
Gunan etan atitya trin dehi deha-samudbhavan, janma-mrityu-jara-duhkhair vimukto 'mritam ashnute
When the embodied being transcends these three gunas associated with the body, they are freed from birth, death, old age, and suffering, and attains immortality.
Udasina-vad asino gunaির na vicalyate, guna vartanta ity evam yo 'vatishthati nengate
Those who remain neutral like a witness, unshaken by the gunas, knowing that the gunas alone are active, remain steadfast and do not waver.
Mam cha yo 'vyabhicharena bhakti-yogena sevate, sa gunan samatityaitan brahma-bhuyaya kalpate
Those who serve Me with unwavering devotional yoga transcend the three gunas and become fit for union with Brahman.
Brahmaṇo hi pratiṣhṭhāham amṛitasyāvyayasya cha, śhāśhvatasya cha dharmasya sukhasyaikāntikasya cha
I am the basis of the formless Brahman, the immortal and imperishable, of eternal dharma, and of unending divine bliss.