Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14, Verse 21 (BG 14.21) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

The Bhagavad Gita has been composed in the form of dialogue to dispel the inevitable difficulties and fatigue that arise during the initial study of philosophy, and to make the study more engaging and delightful. It is evident that in this dialogue between the fully illumined Lord Sri Krishna and the bewildered Arjuna, the sage Vyasa has not forgotten human nature even while engaging in philosophical discourse. In any assembly of the wise, Arjuna's questions might appear to be merely childlike curiosity or mere intellectual cleverness. Yet the patience with which Lord Sri Krishna answers the questions of a disciple of moderate understanding reveals that it is the duty of a knower of Brahman to answer comprehensively even the questions posed by the disciplined or the skeptical. If we have been blessed to receive such a wholesome tradition of imparting knowledge, yet for some reason a malevolent tendency to keep it shrouded in mystery is plundering a healthy tradition of our glorious culture. When the principles of tattva-jnana are not brought to light through contemplative reflection, they begin to perish. Every sincere seeker has the freedom to ask questions in order to understand the principles of tattva-jnana thoroughly. Only through understanding can their significance be recognized. Until such understanding and recognition occur, we cannot live these principles in our daily life. Hindu philosophy is a way of living, not merely a perspective from which to view life. Therefore, it is essential that we live this knowledge in our lives. Here Arjuna has posed three questions: (1) What are the characteristics of one who has transcended the three gunas, by which he may be recognized? (2) What will be the nature of his conduct? and (3) How does such a wise one, having transcended the three gunas, attain the glory of the Self? In response to these, Lord Sri Krishna first describes the characteristics of one who has transcended the three gunas.