Bhagavad Gita · Verse 14.10
Chapter 14: Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga (गुणत्रयविभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
रजस्तमश्चाभिभूय सत्त्वं भवति भारत । रजः सत्त्वं तमश्चैव तमः सत्त्वं रजस्तथा ॥१०॥
rajastamaścābhibhūya sattvaṃ bhavati bhārata | rajaḥ sattvaṃ tamaścaiva tamaḥ sattvaṃ rajastathā ||10||
Complete Shloka Translation
Bharata, sattva prevails by overcoming rajas and tamas; rajas overcomes sattva and tamas, and tamas likewise overcomes sattva and rajas.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अभिभूय | abhibhūya | overcoming |
| सत्त्व | sattva | sattva, clarity and harmony |
| रजस्तमश्चाभिभूय | rajastamaścābhibhūya | [term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov... |
| सत्त्वं | sattvaṃ | [term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov... |
| भवति | bhavati | [term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov... |
| भारत | bhārata | [term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov... |
| रजः | rajaḥ | [term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov... |
| तमश्चैव | tamaścaiva | [term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov... |
| तमः | tamaḥ | [term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov... |
| रजस्तथा | rajastathā | [term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov... |
| १० | rajastathā | [term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov... |
overcoming
sattva, clarity and harmony
[term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov...
[term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov...
[term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov...
[term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov...
[term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov...
[term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov...
[term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov...
[term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov...
[term] in context of Bharata, sattva prevails by ov...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The gunas are presented in changing relations of predominance. This supports ongoing observation rather than assigning an unchanging type to oneself or others.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Recognize shifting tendencies rather than assuming a fixed inner state."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which tendency has shifted in you recently?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.