Bhagavad Gita · Verse 3.28
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (कर्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
तत्त्ववित्तु महाबाहो गुणकर्मविभागयोः । गुणा गुणेषु वर्तन्त इति मत्वा न सज्जते ॥२८॥
tattvavittu mahābāho guṇakarmavibhāgayoḥ | guṇā guṇeṣu vartanta iti matvā na sajjate ||28||
Complete Shloka Translation
But one who knows the truth of the distinctions between gunas and actions, mighty-armed one, understands that gunas operate among gunas and does not become attached.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| तत्त्ववित् | tattvavit | one who knows the truth |
| न सज्जते | na sajjate | does not become attached |
| तत्त्ववित्तु | tattvavittu | [term] in context of But one who knows the truth of... |
| महाबाहो | mahābāho | [term] in context of But one who knows the truth of... |
| गुणकर्मविभागयोः | guṇakarmavibhāgayoḥ | [term] in context of But one who knows the truth of... |
| गुणा | guṇā | [term] in context of But one who knows the truth of... |
| गुणेषु | guṇeṣu | [term] in context of But one who knows the truth of... |
| वर्तन्त | vartanta | [term] in context of But one who knows the truth of... |
| इति | iti | [term] in context of But one who knows the truth of... |
| मत्वा | matvā | [term] in context of But one who knows the truth of... |
| सज्जते | na | [term] in context of But one who knows the truth of... |
| २८ | sajjate | [term] in context of But one who knows the truth of... |
one who knows the truth
does not become attached
[term] in context of But one who knows the truth of...
[term] in context of But one who knows the truth of...
[term] in context of But one who knows the truth of...
[term] in context of But one who knows the truth of...
[term] in context of But one who knows the truth of...
[term] in context of But one who knows the truth of...
[term] in context of But one who knows the truth of...
[term] in context of But one who knows the truth of...
[term] in context of But one who knows the truth of...
[term] in context of But one who knows the truth of...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Gunas operating among gunas describes the interaction of faculties and objects within nature. The knower's nonattachment contrasts with the ego's exclusive ownership in 3.27.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Understanding the processes behind action changes one's identification with them."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How does understanding a process affect your sense of ownership over its result?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse in your daily career and work life: discharge your responsibilities wholeheartedly as an act of service and social welfare, freeing your mind from selfish anxiety and burnout.