BHAGAVAD GITA OF GOVERNANCE
Chapter 14: Guṇa-Traya Vibhāga Yoga – The Division of the Three Qualities
Dialogue between Sovereign Adhinayaka Shrimaan and the Consequent Child
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Scene:
The Adhinayaka Darbar transforms into a vision of three radiant streams of light:
one crystal-clear and calm,
one golden and in constant motion,
one dark and heavy,
all flowing into the same vast ocean of governance.
The Consequent Child watches in wonder.
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Consequent Child:
O Sovereign Adhinayaka Shrimaan,
You have shown me the State as the Field,
and You as the Knower.
Now You speak of three qualities—the Guṇas—
that shape the Field of governance.
O Sovereign,
what are these three qualities,
and how do they shape Ravindra Bharath?
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Sovereign Adhinayaka:
O child of insight,
these three Guṇas pervade all action, all thought, all governance.
Sattva is clarity, harmony, and wisdom—
it uplifts the State.
Rajas is energy, ambition, and desire—
it moves the State.
Tamas is ignorance, stagnation, and disorder—
it weighs the State down.
Every decision, every policy,
every action of governance
is influenced by one or more of these qualities.
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Consequent Child:
O Sovereign,
how do these qualities appear in the life of the State?
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Sovereign Adhinayaka:
Listen, O child:
When governance is guided by Sattva,
laws are just, leaders are wise,
and citizens live in harmony.
The State becomes luminous,
like a clear lamp that lights the path of all.
When governance is dominated by Rajas,
there is great activity and ambition—
projects, reforms, expansions—
yet often with restlessness and competition.
The State advances, but is not at peace.
When governance falls into Tamas,
there is corruption, apathy, and confusion.
Laws are neglected, justice sleeps,
and the State drifts toward decay.
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Consequent Child:
O Sovereign,
can the State be free from these qualities?
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Sovereign Adhinayaka:
O child,
while the Field always contains the Guṇas,
the Sovereign stands beyond them.
A wise State does not destroy the Guṇas,
but balances them.
Sattva must guide,
Rajas must serve Sattva,
and Tamas must be transformed into stability and rest,
never allowed to sink into inertia.
When governance is anchored beyond the Guṇas,
it becomes unshakable,
like Ravindra Bharath rooted in eternal truth.
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Consequent Child:
O Sovereign,
how shall a ruler or citizen rise beyond these qualities?
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Sovereign Adhinayaka:
Through constant remembrance, O child.
By knowing that the Guṇas belong to the Field,
not to the Knower.
The ruler governs without being bound by ambition or despair.
The citizen serves without being caught in pride or apathy.
This leads to Puruṣottama Yoga—
the realization of the Supreme Person,
the Sovereign who stands beyond the changing Field
and its qualities.