Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 29 (BG 18.29) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

There are three constituent elements in the performance of action: knowledge, action, and the doer. In the nine verses preceding this, a threefold classification of these three has been described. When the doer, impelled by knowledge, performs action in the world, then certainly a particular work is accomplished. However, for the execution of work, there is a need for continuity of effort, and the fulfillment of this need comes through two principles: intellect and steadfastness. These two principles are, as it were, fuel and the driving force. By intellect is meant that capacity of the human being through which he understands the obligatory nature of action and the significance of external events. Steadfastness means the power of perseverance. In the pursuit of a goal, many obstacles arise, and to overcome them and attain the goal, steadfastness is necessary. In the absence of both these—intellect and steadfastness—a person would merely wander about aimlessly, like a dry leaf scattered by the wind. Now, we shall explain the threefold classification of intellect.