Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 36 (BG 18.36) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

In the development of ideas presented in this chapter, the Lord first describes the three elements of action: knowledge, the doer, and the deed itself. Thereafter, He provides an extensive analysis of two elements that inspire, regulate, and guide action—intellect and steadfastness. Blessed Krishna has revealed the threefold distinctions of all these, each in their separate forms. Every doer acts within their field of action, guided by their knowledge, governed by their intellect, and holding fast to their goal through steadfastness. In this manner, the physical and vital structure of action is fully analyzed and examined. Now the subject of inquiry becomes the psychology of action. Why does a human being act? By observing the tendencies of all creatures, it becomes clear that every being engages in action solely for the attainment of happiness. From the womb to the grave, all the efforts of creatures are directed toward the continuous pursuit of joy. Thus, although all share one common goal—happiness—yet because there are differences in knowledge, the doer, the deed, intellect, and steadfastness, the paths to happiness adopted by different people are also varied. Those of sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic nature pursue their own happiness through diverse actions. Because the components of action differ, the happiness derived from these various types of actions must necessarily differ as well. In this section, three types of happiness are classified. Through practice, by understanding the classification described in this chapter, a sincere seeker gains the capacity for self-examination. In this way, by understanding the cause of one's sufferings, one can renounce them and reorganize one's life anew. Through such practice, it becomes possible to bring about the complete cessation of one's sorrows. What is sattvic happiness? The Lord declares: