Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 14 · Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 14.10 रजस्तमश्चाभिभूय सत्त्वं भवति भारत
श्लोक 14.10
रजस्तमश्चाभिभूय सत्त्वं भवति भारत ।
रजः सत्त्वं तमश्चैव तमः सत्त्वं रजस्तथा ॥
rajastamaścābhibhūya sattvaṃ bhavati bhārata |
rajaḥ sattvaṃ tamaścaiva tamaḥ sattvaṃ rajastathā ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
हे भारत, रज और तम को दबाकर सत्त्व बढ़ता है; सत्त्व और तम को दबाकर रज बढ़ता है; और इसी प्रकार सत्त्व और रज को दबाकर तम बढ़ता है।
Meaning in English
Sattva prevails by overpowering rajas and tamas, O Bharata; rajas prevails by overpowering sattva and tamas; and likewise tamas prevails by overpowering sattva and rajas.
Bhagavad Gita 14.10 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| रजः तमः च | rajaḥ tamaḥ ca | rajas and tamas |
| अभिभूय | abhibhūya | overpowering |
| सत्त्वम् | sattvam | sattva |
| भवति | bhavati | prevails |
| भारत | bhārata | O Bharata |
| रजः | rajaḥ | rajas |
| सत्त्वम् तमः च एव | sattvam tamaḥ ca eva | sattva and tamas |
| तमः | tamaḥ | tamas |
| सत्त्वम् रजः | sattvam rajaḥ | sattva and rajas |
| तथा | tathā | likewise |
Explanation
Sattva prevails by overpowering rajas and tamas, O Bharata. Likewise rajas prevails by overpowering sattva and tamas, and tamas by overpowering sattva and rajas. The three are always competing within us, and one or another rises to the top at different times.
No one is purely one guna. All three are always present, and they rise and fall like competing currents. At one moment clarity leads, at another restless desire, at another dullness. Commentators explain that this constant contest is why our moods and motives shift through the day. Recognising which guna is uppermost is the practical skill the following verses teach.
भावार्थ
हे भारत! रज और तम को दबाकर सत्त्वगुण बढ़ता है, सत्त्व और तम को दबाकर रजोगुण, और वैसे ही सत्त्व और रज को दबाकर तमोगुण बढ़ता है। तीनों गुण सदा आपस में होड़ करते रहते हैं।
Living it today
Your energy shifts through the day. Plan focused work for your clearest hours and routine tasks for your heavier ones.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 14.10?
Sattva prevails by overpowering rajas and tamas, O Bharata. Likewise rajas prevails by overpowering sattva and tamas, and tamas by overpowering sattva and rajas. The three are always competing within us, and one or another rises to the top at different times.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 14.10?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 14 (Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 14.10 in daily life?
Your energy shifts through the day. Plan focused work for your clearest hours and routine tasks for your heavier ones.
Reflected on verse 14.10?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.