Summary from Anil ji
In today's session, the Shrimad Bhagavad-Gita: Karma Yog (chapter # 3) - Shloka 29 was reviewed.
prakṛiteḥ—of material nature; guṇa—by the modes of material nature; sammūḍhāḥ - deluded; sajjante—become attached; guṇa-karmasu—to results of actions; tān — those; akṛitsna-vidaḥ—persons without knowledge; mandān—the ignorant; kṛitsna-vit- persons with knowledge; na vichālayet—should not unsettle
Meaning
Although many know that all actions performed by humans are attempts to fulfil themselves in this materialistic world, only the perfect one realizes this Truth and becomes quiet and unattached in all their activities. Nobody can avoid the three gunas: sattva, rajas and tamas. The question may be raised that if soul is distinct from the guṇas and their activities, then why are the ignorant attached to sense objects?
In today's session, the Shrimad Bhagavad-Gita: Karma Yog (chapter # 3) - Shloka 29 was reviewed.
प्रकृतेर्गुणसम्मूढाः सज्जन्ते गुणकर्मसु ।
तानकृत्स्नविदो मन्दान्कृत्स्नविन्न विचालयेत् ॥29॥
prakṛiter guṇa-sammūḍhāḥ sajjante guṇa-karmasu
tān akṛitsna-vido mandān kṛitsna-vin na vichālayet
Padavibhāgaprakṛiteḥ—of material nature; guṇa—by the modes of material nature; sammūḍhāḥ - deluded; sajjante—become attached; guṇa-karmasu—to results of actions; tān — those; akṛitsna-vidaḥ—persons without knowledge; mandān—the ignorant; kṛitsna-vit- persons with knowledge; na vichālayet—should not unsettle
Meaning
Although many know that all actions performed by humans are attempts to fulfil themselves in this materialistic world, only the perfect one realizes this Truth and becomes quiet and unattached in all their activities. Nobody can avoid the three gunas: sattva, rajas and tamas. The question may be raised that if soul is distinct from the guṇas and their activities, then why are the ignorant attached to sense objects?
Shree Krishna explains in this verse that they become confused by the guṇas of the material energy and think themselves to be the doers. Obsessed by the three modes of material nature, they work to enjoy sensual and mental delights. They are unable to perform actions as a matter of duty, without desiring rewards. One should not show ego and the progress is not possible if there is no compassion.
However, the kṛitsna-vit (persons with knowledge) should not disturb the minds of the akṛitsna-vit (persons without knowledge). This means that the wise should not force their thoughts onto ignorant persons by saying, "You are the soul, not the body, and hence karma is meaningless; give it up." Rather, they should instruct the ignorant to perform their respective karma, and slowly help them rise above attachment. In this way, after presenting the distinctions between those who are spiritually wise and those who are ignorant, Shree Krishna gives the sober caution not to unsettle the minds of the ignorant.
However, the kṛitsna-vit (persons with knowledge) should not disturb the minds of the akṛitsna-vit (persons without knowledge). This means that the wise should not force their thoughts onto ignorant persons by saying, "You are the soul, not the body, and hence karma is meaningless; give it up." Rather, they should instruct the ignorant to perform their respective karma, and slowly help them rise above attachment. In this way, after presenting the distinctions between those who are spiritually wise and those who are ignorant, Shree Krishna gives the sober caution not to unsettle the minds of the ignorant.