The previous chapter concluded by stating that the Spirit, which is the vitalising principle, functioning in matter is one and the same. Yet, we observe a plethora of variety in the beings that exist in the universe. The fourteenth chapter of the Bhagavad-gita, known as the Yoga of the Three Gunas provides an elaborate explanation to this paradoxical situation.
The Lord, Shri Krishna attributes this variety of the influence of the three gunas (sattva, rajas and tamas) within a being. The gunas here indicate an attitude with which the mind functions. This chapter provides us with the capability of detecting within ourselves the most powerful tendencies that rise to the top of our mental life at any given point. Knowledge of this will help the seeker achieve steady progress on the path to salvation.
