Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14, Verse 18

English Translation

People who conform to sattva go higher up; those who conform to rajas stay in the middle; those who conform to tamas, who conform to the actions of the lowest ality, go down.

Detailed Commentary

।।14.18।। Explanation: **"Those established in Sattva ascend."** Those in whose lives the Sattvaguna predominates, and who, due to this Sattvaguna, have practiced self-restraint from sense enjoyments (bhoga), performed auspicious deeds like pilgrimages (tirtha), vows (vrata), and charity (dana); who have established water-stands (pyaoo) and food distribution centers (anna kshetra) for the welfare of others, built roads, planted trees for the convenience of animals and birds, and established cowsheds (gaushalas)—such individuals are here called **Sattvasthah** (those established in Sattva). When the body of such people departs while Sattvaguna still predominates, they ascend to higher realms (lokas) like Svarga (heaven) and others. **"Rajasic individuals remain in the middle."** Those in whose lives Rajoguna predominates, and who, due to it, remain engaged in accumulation (sangraha) and enjoyment (bhoga-vilas) while adhering to scriptural injunctions (shastra ki maryada)—they are here called **Rajasah** (Rajasic). When the body of such individuals departs while Rajoguna still predominates, they are reborn in this Mrityuloka (mortal world). These Rajasic persons maintain scriptural boundaries, but due to attachment to enjoyment, they are reborn. **"Those established in despicable qualities descend."** Those in whose lives Tamoguna predominates, and who, being under the sway of heedlessness (pramada), waste time and money; who remain immersed in idleness (alasya) and ignorance (agyan); who harm others, and are engaged in falsehood and deceit—they are here called Tamasic individuals. When the body departs while Tamoguna predominates, they descend to lower realms (adhogati), such as animal or bird species, or infernal existences (naraka ki yoniyan). According to their actions (karma) and final thoughts (antim chintan), they receive different outcomes. To increase Sattvic qualities, one should seek good company (sangati), visit sacred places, and refrain from prohibited actions (nishiddha karma). Measures to enhance the Gunas are described in the Shrimad Bhagavata. A special point is that at the time of death (anta samay), the predominance of Gunas determines one's destination (gati), but worldly attachments also remain alongside it. The Lord has stated that these three worlds (triloki) are constituted of the three Gunas (trigunatmak). Devotion to God (Bhagavan ki upasana) and the company (sangam) of a Mahapurusha (great soul) who is beyond the Gunas (gunatita) can make a person transcendent of the Gunas. **Connection:** After introducing the Gunas from the fifth to the eighteenth verse, the Lord will describe in the subsequent verses how He is to be experienced as beyond the three Gunas.