Yoga through the Perfection of Renunciation and Surrender
Verse 18.40
न तदस्ति पृथिव्यां वा दिवि देवेषु वा पुनः।सत्त्वं प्रकृतिजैर्मुक्तं यदेभिः स्यात्ित्रभिर्गुणैः।।18.40।।
na tad asti pṛithivyāṁ vā divi deveṣhu vā punaḥ sattvaṁ prakṛiti-jair muktaṁ yad ebhiḥ syāt tribhir guṇaiḥ
Word Meanings
na—no; tat—that; asti—exists; pṛithivyām—on earth; vā—or; divi—the higher celestial abodes; deveṣhu—amongst the celestial gods; vā—or; punaḥ—again; sattvam—existence; prakṛiti-jaiḥ—born of material nature; muktam—liberated; yat—that; ebhiḥ—from the influence of these; syāt—is; tribhiḥ—three; guṇaiḥ—modes of material nature
Translation · English
There is no being on earth or in heaven among the gods that is liberated from the three qualities born of Nature.
Deep Meaning · English
This verse serves as a sobering, ultimate truth regarding the constraints of the manifest universe. Krishna explains that there is no entity or phenomenon—whether on the terrestrial plane, in the celestial heavens, or even among the demigods—that is fundamentally free from the influence of the three modes of material nature (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas). Everything that exists within the realm of Prakriti is bound by these subtle, interweaving forces, which dictate the conditions of birth, transformation, and decay. This is not meant to be a statement of hopelessness, but rather a profound recognition of the ubiquity of material conditioning, intended to steer the aspirant’s gaze beyond the phenomenal world. By emphasizing that even the divine beings residing in the higher spheres are subject to these gunas, Krishna shifts Arjuna's focus from seeking temporary elevation to seeking transcendental liberation. It underscores that any position or state achieved within the dualistic world of Prakriti is inherently limited and transitory. True freedom, therefore, does not lie in maneuvering within the gunas, but in the radical act of moving beyond them—a state of consciousness that is rooted in the Atman, which remains the untouched witness to the play of these material modes.
Since every form of existence within the cosmic manifestation is inextricably woven into the three modes of nature, true liberation is only attained by transcending the gunas through surrender to the Divine.
Connected Verses
This verse reinforces that when one realizes that there is no agent of action other than these modes, one attains the consciousness of the Divine.
This verse provides the practical solution, stating that one who serves Krishna with unalloyed devotion transcends these modes and becomes fit for liberation.
Krishna confirms that his divine energy consisting of the three modes is extremely difficult to overcome without surrendering to him.
Arjuna is explicitly advised to rise above these three modes, because all activities within the Vedas and material world are confined to them.
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