trai-guṇya-viṣhayā vedā nistrai-guṇyo bhavārjuna
nirdvandvo nitya-sattva-stho niryoga-kṣhema ātmavān
trai-guṇya — of the three modes of material nature;
viṣhayāḥ — subject matter;
vedāḥ — Vedic scriptures;
nistrai-guṇyaḥ — above the three modes of material nature, transcendental;
bhava — be;
arjuna — Arjun;
nirdvandvaḥ — free from dualities;
nitya-sattva-sthaḥ — eternally fixed in truth;
niryoga-kṣhemaḥ — unconcerned about gain and preservation;
ātma-vān — situated in the self
In this verse, Lord Krishna is advising Arjuna about how to live a better life by rising above the usual ups and downs that we all face in the world. Let’s break it down step by step.
1. **Understanding the Vedas**: The Vedas are ancient texts in Hindu philosophy that teach us about how to live, what is right and wrong, and how to connect with the higher power, or the divine. They elaborate on three main qualities of life: goodness (sattva), passion (rajas), and ignorance (tamas). These are known as the three modes of material nature. Our actions, emotions, and attitudes are mostly influenced by these three qualities.
2. **Rise Above**: Krishna is telling Arjuna to rise above these three qualities. This means that instead of getting caught up in the troubles of daily life, like stress, anxiety, or seeking pleasure, Arjuna should aim for a higher state. Rising above these modes helps a person to be more peaceful and clear-minded. It’s like climbing a hill to get a better view of the landscape instead of being stuck in the shadows of trees.
3. **Free from Dualities**: The term ‘dualities’ refers to the opposing forces in life, like happiness and sadness, gain and loss, or comfort and discomfort. Instead of getting swayed by these extremes, Krishna advises Arjuna to remain stable and calm. This is not about ignoring what happens around us, but about developing a sense of balance. Imagine being able to keep your cool in a stressful situation — that’s what this means.
4. **Anxiety for Gain and Safety**: People often worry excessively about achieving goals or securing their well-being. Krishna suggests that Arjuna should not be overly concerned about gaining material wealth or feeling secure. This doesn’t mean neglecting responsibility but rather encouraging a mindset where one understands that true security comes from inner strength and not material possessions.
5. **Be Established in the Self**: Finally, Krishna advises Arjuna to be grounded in his true self. This means understanding who we are beyond our roles, desires, and the constant hustle for success. It’s about recognizing that there is a deeper essence within us, often called the soul, which is eternal and unaffected by the changing circumstances of life.
In a practical sense, this verse encourages us to look beyond the daily struggles, to find a stable inner core that remains undisturbed by life’s highs and lows. It’s about cultivating peace within ourselves, understanding the transitory nature of life, and finding purpose beyond mere material pursuits. By doing so, we can lead a more fulfilled and meaningful life.