buddher bhedam dhriteh caiva gunatas tri-vidham srinu procyamanam asesena prithaktvena dhananjaya
Krishna now invites Arjuna to hear the threefold division of intellect and steadiness according to the gunas, which he will explain completely and separately. This systematic teaching on buddhi and dhriti is essential for discernment and discipline.
- •Intellect and steadiness are each threefold according to the three gunas
- •Systematic understanding of gunic qualities is essential for self-knowledge
- •Krishna's thorough analysis helps Arjuna discern the quality of his own inner faculties
pravrittim ca nivrittim ca karyakaryec bhayabhaye bandham moksam ca ya vetti buddhi sa partha sattviki
The intellect that knows what is to be done and what is not to be done, what is to be feared and what is not to be feared, what leads to bondage and what leads to liberation — that intellect is sattvic, O Arjuna.
- •Sattvic intellect clearly discerns right action from wrong action
- •It distinguishes between what should be feared and what should not be feared
- •Knowing the path to liberation versus bondage is the crown of sattvic intelligence
idam te natapaskaya nabhaktaya kadacana na casusrusave vacyam na ca mam yo 'bhyasuyati
This teaching should never be spoken to one who is without austerity, without devotion, without the desire to hear, or who speaks ill of Krishna. The Gita's supreme knowledge is to be shared only with those who are genuinely receptive and sincere.
- •Sacred knowledge must be protected from those who are not prepared or sincere
- •Austerity, devotion, receptivity, and reverence are prerequisites for receiving this teaching
- •Indiscriminate sharing of the highest wisdom can lead to its desecration