Gita 18.30
Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च कार्याकार्ये भयाभये । बन्धं मोक्षं च या वेत्ति बुद्धिः सा पार्थ सात्त्विकी ॥३०॥
pravṛttiṃ ca nivṛttiṃ ca kāryākārye bhayābhaye | bandhaṃ mokṣaṃ ca yā vetti buddhiḥ sā pārtha sāttvikī ||30||
In essence: The sattvic intellect is a lamp of discernment—knowing when to engage and when to withdraw, what must be done and what must be avoided, what binds and what liberates.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "How does one develop this discerning intellect?"
Guru: "Through three means primarily: first, study of scriptures with a qualified teacher who can transmit not just information but wisdom; second, contemplation that digests what is learned until it becomes one's own understanding; third, practice that tests and refines understanding against experience. Sattvic buddhi is not inborn but cultivated through sustained effort in these three areas."
Sadhak: "I often feel confused about what I 'should' do. Is that a sign of rajasic intellect?"
Guru: "Confusion about duty is common and doesn't necessarily indicate rajasic intellect. The sattvic intellect sees clearly; the rajasic confuses dharma and adharma; the tamasic reverses them entirely. Ask yourself: do you see multiple options without knowing which is right (potentially sattvic seeking clarity), or do you mix up right and wrong (rajasic), or do you actually believe wrong is right (tamasic)? Your very question suggests you're seeking sattvic clarity."
Sadhak: "What does it mean to know 'what should be feared and what should not'?"
Guru: "Most people's fears are misplaced. They fear loss of possessions, reputation, comfort—none of which actually touch the Self. They don't fear what truly harms them: growing attachment, deepening ignorance, lost opportunity for spiritual growth. Sattvic intellect rearranges fear rightly: it is vigilant against what binds the soul and untroubled by what merely affects the body or circumstances."
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🌅 Daily Practice
Reflect on the day ahead: 'Where is pravṛtti (engagement) needed? Where is nivṛtti (withdrawal) appropriate?' Plan for both—active duties and quiet practices. This balance is itself an expression of sattvic understanding.
When facing decisions, ask the three discernments: 'Should I engage or withdraw here? Is this something that should or should not be done? What here leads to bondage, what to freedom?' Even a moment's pause for these questions refines the intellect.
Review decisions made: 'Did I correctly assess duty today? Did I fear the right things and remain untroubled by the wrong things? Did my choices move me toward freedom or deeper bondage?' This reflection gradually sharpens sattvic discernment.