Topic

Qualities

2 verses from the Bhagavad Gita on qualities. Explore teachings across 2 chapters.

All Verses

Chapter 14 • Verse 5 →The Yoga of the Division of the Three Gunas

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.

•Three modes govern material existence
•Even the soul becomes bound by qualities
•Understanding the gunas leads to freedom

three gunas bondage material nature freedom

Chapter 18 • Verse 42 →The Yoga of Liberation and Renunciation

Shamo damas tapah shaucham kshantir arjavam eva cha, jnanam vijnanam astikyam brahma-karma svabhava-jam

Tranquility, self-control, austerity, purity, forgiveness, uprightness, knowledge, realization, and faith in God—these are the natural qualities of work for brahmins.

•Qualities of spiritual leadership
•Knowledge combined with character
•Natural duties based on qualities

spiritual leadership knowledge character duty