
14
CHAPTER
VERSE
20
गुणानेतानतीत्य त्रीन्देही देहसमुद्भवान् |
जन्ममृत्युजरादु:खैर्विमुक्तोऽमृतमश्रुते || 14.20 ||
Guṇān etān atītya trīn dehī deha-samudbhavān |
Janma-mṛtyu-jarā-duḥkhair vimukto 'mṛtam aśnute ||
The embodied soul, having transcended these three modes, is released from birth, death, old age, and their attendant suffering, and attains immortality.
Lesson:
Krishna explains the state of liberation (moksha) attained by the embodied soul (dehī) upon transcending the influence of the three modes of material nature (guṇas) – sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance). Krishna explains that by surpassing these modes, the soul is liberated from the cycle of birth, death, old age, and the various sufferings associated with material existence.
Krishna emphasizes the importance of transcending the influence of the three guṇas for spiritual liberation. Sattva, rajas, and tamas are the inherent qualities that shape human behaviour and consciousness. While sattva promotes virtue, knowledge, and harmony, rajas foster activity, desire, and ambition, and tamas induces lethargy, ignorance, and delusion. The soul, identified with the body, experiences the effects of these modes, leading to repeated cycles of birth and death.
By transcending the influence of the three modes, the soul liberates itself from the bondage of material existence. It breaks free from the cycle of samsara (the cycle of birth and death) and attains immortality (amṛta). Immortality here signifies the realization of the soul's eternal nature beyond the limitations of the physical body, which is subject to decay and mortality.
Krishna's teachings in this verse underscore the path to spiritual freedom and eternal bliss. Liberation is not merely an escape from suffering but a state of transcendence beyond the fluctuations of material existence. It is achieved through self-awareness, detachment, and the cultivation of spiritual knowledge and virtues.
Moreover, Krishna's words offer solace and hope to seekers on the path of self-realization. By understanding the nature of the soul and its relationship with the material world, one can overcome the trials of birth, death, and old age, and experience lasting peace and satisfaction.
In essence, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita encapsulates the essence of spiritual liberation. It conveys the timeless wisdom that by transcending the influence of the three modes of material nature, the soul liberates itself from the cycle of suffering and attains immortality in the divine realm. It inspires seekers to embark on the journey of self-discovery and realization, leading to ultimate freedom and eternal joy.