Verse-40
Chapter 18 — Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
Verse 40
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
na taḍasti pṛthivyām vā divi deveṣu vā punaḥ
sattvam prakṛtijairmuktam yadebhiḥ syāttribhirguṇaiḥ
🕉 English Translation
Gun paida prakriti se jo huay,
Na azad hai koyi in teeno se.
Prithvi, swarg, devon mein bhi kahin,
Aisa koyi bhi toh prani nahin.
📜 Translation
English
There is no object on the earth, heaven or amongst the gods and apart from them anywhere else which is free from the working of the three attributes born of nature.
First in the 14th chapter and then in 17th and now even in the 18th chapter beginning from 19th verse, Lord Shri Krishna has elaborately discussed the topic relating to the three attributes. Here right from the creation of the universe, its dissolution, from the birth of the embodied being till death and even the states after death, all aspects relating to the journey of life and self-elevation, the preacher of the Gita has expounded by associating them with the attributes. Here in this verse in summary He has explicitly stated.
Every form whether moving or unmoving has been created based on the attributes. Not only in this world but even in the higher worlds too and not just those living on this earth, human beings, animals, birds, insects and flies, etc. even the gods are not devoid of the three attributes. Not only this apart from them anything else, whatever material objects may be anywhere–none is free from the working of these three attributes. The case of some rare ones who transcend the qualities with the practice of single-pointedness, meditation and self-absorption (Samadhi) may be different. Even though there remains the influence of these three qualities for the maintenance of the body while being alive and for carrying on the journey of life. In the execution of the activities of the body in the form of sleep, rest, physical activities and also for undertaking dedicated spiritual activities, these three attributes perform their role in a practical form.
None is free from the attributes–this case relates to the state till the time the embodied being maintains relationship with nature and the workings of nature in the form of these three qualities, till the time the body lasts and after the body is dropped, the three attributes still maintain their influence. After acquiring the inspirations from the Gita, we need to understand the reality. We have to give up the rajasic and tamasic qualities and bring satvic qualities into ourselves. The interest in satvic activities grows; such an endeavour is to be made. Thereafter too, we do not have to get stuck here. We have to establish ourselves in the state of divinity, absolute bliss and supreme peace after transcending the attributes, where the body even though may be governed by these qualities yet we can immerse ourselves in life's supreme goal, unattained attainments, in a state of magnificent bliss–in fact this is the Gita's divine, heavenly fragrance, which we have to imbibe following the inspirations from the Gita.