buddher bhedam dhriteh caiva gunatas tri-vidham srinu procyamanam asesena prithaktvena dhananjaya
Krishna now invites Arjuna to hear the threefold division of intellect and steadiness according to the gunas, which he will explain completely and separately. This systematic teaching on buddhi and dhriti is essential for discernment and discipline.
- •Intellect and steadiness are each threefold according to the three gunas
- •Systematic understanding of gunic qualities is essential for self-knowledge
- •Krishna's thorough analysis helps Arjuna discern the quality of his own inner faculties
dhritya yaya dharayate manah-pranendriya-kriyah yogenavyabhicarinya dhriti sa partha sattviki
The steadiness by which one holds the functions of mind, life-force, and senses in check through unwavering yoga — that steadiness is sattvic, O Arjuna. Sattvic dhriti is the unshakeable inner strength of a disciplined yogi.
- •Sattvic steadiness controls mind, prana, and the senses through yoga
- •Unwavering, non-wavering consistency is the mark of sattvic dhriti
- •This inner firmness is the foundation for sustained spiritual practice
yaya tu dharma-kamarthan dhritya dharayate 'rjuna prasangena phalakanksi dhriti sa partha rajasi
The steadiness by which one holds onto dharma, pleasure, and wealth — clinging to results with attachment — that steadiness is rajasic, O Arjuna. Rajasic dhriti is persistence in the service of self-interested goals.
- •Rajasic steadiness persists toward dharma, artha, and kama with attachment to fruits
- •The crucial defect is clinging to outcomes and results
- •Worldly persistence motivated by desire is not the liberating steadiness of yoga
yaya svapnam bhayam sokam visadam madam eva ca na vimuncati durmedha dhriti sa partha tamasi
The steadiness by which a foolish person does not give up sleep, fear, grief, despondency, and arrogance — that steadiness is tamasic, O Arjuna. Tamasic dhriti is the grim persistence of someone stuck in self-destructive patterns.
- •Tamasic steadiness clings to sleep, fear, grief, despondency, and arrogance
- •This is the obstinacy of delusion rather than the strength of wisdom
- •Persistence in harmful and degrading patterns is the darkest form of dhriti