pravṛittiṁ cha nivṛittiṁ cha kāryākārye bhayābhaye
bandhaṁ mokṣhaṁ cha yā vetti buddhiḥ sā pārtha sāttvikī
pravṛittim — activities;
cha — and;
nivṛittim — renuncation from action;
cha — and;
kārya — proper action;
akārye — improper action;
bhaya — fear;
abhaye — without fear;
bandham — what is binding;
mokṣham — what is liberating;
cha — and;
yā — which;
vetti — understands;
buddhiḥ — intellect;
sā — that;
pārtha — son of Pritha;
sāttvikī — in the nature of goodness
In this verse, Krishna is explaining to Arjuna what it means to have a clear and good understanding of the world around us. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand it better:
1. **Understanding Actions**: The verse talks about 'pravrtti' and 'nivṛtti.' 'Pravrtti' refers to the actions we should take—those that are good, constructive, and follow moral guidelines. For example, helping others, working hard, and being honest. 'Nivṛtti,' on the other hand, means refraining from actions that are harmful or selfish—like stealing, lying, or causing harm to others. So, having a good understanding means knowing when to act and when to hold back.
2. **Knowing What’s Right and Wrong**: It also mentions knowing what ought to be done ('kārya' – proper action) and what ought not to be done ('akārya' – improper action). This part emphasizes the importance of morality and ethics in our actions. For instance, if we are faced with a choice, a wise person can discern that helping a friend in need is right, while cheating someone is wrong.
3. **Understanding Fear**: The verse goes further to explain the concept of fear. It indicates that a wise person understands what is genuinely fearful (like the consequences of doing wrong) versus what is not to be feared (like stepping out of one’s comfort zone to try something new). This means that with the right understanding, one can face fears that are only illusions or ungrounded worries.
4. **Recognizing Bondage and Liberation**: The terms 'bandha' (binding) and 'mokṣha' (liberating) refer to the consequences of our actions. Some actions can trap us in a cycle of suffering and dissatisfaction (like being selfish or dishonest), while others can free us, leading to true happiness and peace (like being generous or loving). Understanding this helps a person choose paths that lead to freedom instead of entrapment.
5. **Mode of Goodness**: Finally, when Krishna mentions that this understanding is in the 'mode of goodness,' he means that this clarity comes from a wise, calm, and pure perspective. It’s like being in a positive state of mind where you can see things clearly without confusion or bias. When someone has this kind of understanding, they are not only more effective in their actions but also experience a more peaceful and satisfied life.
Overall, this verse teaches us that having a clear, moral understanding of our actions and their consequences—based on good judgment—is essential for leading a fulfilling life. It encourages us to act wisely and choose paths that are beneficial both to ourselves and to others around us.