Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 45

English Translation

O Arjuna, the Vedas [Meaning only the portion dealing with rites and duties (karma-kanda).] have the three alities as their object. You become free from worldliness, free from the pairs of duality, ever-poised in the ality of sattva, without (desire for) acisition and protection, and self-collected.

Detailed Commentary

2.45 Commentary: 'The Vedas deal with the three Gunas' — Here, 'Vedas' refers to that portion of the Vedas which describes the three Gunas and actions related to them, such as obtaining Svarga (heaven), etc. Here, the Vedas are not being condemned; rather, the glory of Nishkamata (desirelessness) is being expounded. Just as when describing a diamond, if glass is mentioned, the intention is not to disparage the glass but to extol the diamond. Similarly, here, the desire-laden (sakam) aspect of the Vedas is mentioned to highlight the glory of Nishkamata, not to condemn. The Vedas do not exclusively describe this world of the three Gunas; they also mention Paramatma (the Supreme Self) and the means to attain Him. 'Be free from the three Gunas, Arjuna' — O Arjuna! Renounce the desire for this world, which is a product of the three Gunas, and transcend this worldly existence. 'Free from dualities' — To transcend the world, it is essential to be free from dualities like Raga (attachment) and Dvesha (aversion), as these are what entangle a person in the world (Gita 3.34). Therefore, be free from all dualities. Bhagavan tells Arjuna to be Nir-dvandva because dualities delude an individual and entangle them in the world (Gita 7.27). Only when a sadhak (spiritual aspirant) is Nir-dvandva can they perform Bhajana (devotional practice) with steadfastness (Gita 7.28). Being Nir-dvandva allows the sadhak to be liberated from worldly bondage with ease (Gita 5.3). Through being Nir-dvandva, foolishness departs (Gita 15.5). A sadhak, being Nir-dvandva, is not bound even while performing actions (Gita 4.22). This means that a sadhak's sadhana (spiritual practice) becomes firm only by being Nir-dvandva. Therefore, Bhagavan instructs Arjuna to be Nir-dvandva. Secondly, it is a rule that if there is Raga towards one person or object, there will be Dvesha towards another. When this happens, there will be neglect (Upeksha) of Bhagavan – this too is a form of Dvesha. But when a sadhak develops love for Bhagavan, there is no Dvesha towards the world; instead, a natural Uparati (detachment) arises. Uparati begins with the absence of Dvesha towards adversity; instead, there is Upeksha. After Upeksha comes Udaseenata (indifference), and after Udaseenata comes Uparati. In Uparati, Raga and Dvesha are completely erased. Observing this sequence subtly, in Upeksha, the latent impressions (Samskaras) of Raga-Dvesha remain; in Udaseenata, the existence (Satta) of Raga-Dvesha persists; but in Uparati, neither Samskaras nor Satta remain; rather, there is a complete absence of Raga-Dvesha. 'Ever established in Sattva' — The means to be free from dualities is to remain constantly established in Paramatma. 'Free from Yoga and Kshema' — Do not desire Yoga (acquisition) and Kshema (preservation), for I Myself carry the Yoga-Kshema of those who are solely devoted to Me (Gita 9.22). 'Self-possessed' — Be solely devoted to Paramatma and keep only the attainment of Paramatma as your goal. Connection: What benefit will accrue from becoming free from the three Gunas, Nir-dvandva, etc. – this is explained in the next verse.