Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 14 verse 9
Chapter 14 · Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga

Even Happiness Can Bind · Holding Lightly to All

सत्त्वं सुखे सञ्जयति रजः कर्मणि भारत । ज्ञानमावृत्य तु तमः प्रमादे सञ्जयत्युत ॥

sattvaṁ sukhe sañjayati rajaḥ karmaṇi bhārata jñānam āvṛtya tu tamaḥ pramāde sañjayaty uta

Meaning

"O Bharata, sattva binds one to happiness, rajas to action, and tamas, by covering knowledge, binds one to negligence."

Explanation

Even pleasant states like happiness can quietly become a kind of bond if we cling to them. Freedom means holding lightly to all three modes, not just the uncomfortable ones.

Today's Life Lesson

Notice today even the pleasant states you cling to — freedom means holding those lightly too.

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