पृथक्त्वेन तु यज्ज्ञानं नानाभावान्पृथग्विधान्।वेत्ति सर्वेषु भूतेषु तज्ज्ञानं विद्धि राजसम्
Rajasika knowledge is described as that which perceives many different existences as separate and distinct from one another. This knowledge fails to see the underlying unity in all beings and instead focuses on their differences and variety.
The chapter distinguishes ways of understanding, acting, and persisting. Review both your motive and the effects of your work; determination is not helpful merely because it is intense.
Is my persistence helping, or do I need to reconsider the direction?
Write a private reflectionGo deeper into this verse
In Chapter 18, Verse 21, who is being instructed to recognize knowledge that sees 'nānābhāvān pṛthagvidhān' (varied forms as separate) as Rajasika?
Arjuna is being instructed to recognize that the type of knowledge which observes various forms as separate and distinct is considered Rajasika. Krishna is guiding him to discern the quality of different types of knowledge.
In Chapter 18, Verse 21, what does it mean when the verse refers to 'pṛthaktvena'—the tendency to see things as separate in all beings?
'Pṛthaktvena' refers to the inclination to perceive and categorize beings as inherently different from each other. This view emphasizes diversity and separation rather than unity or interconnectedness among all forms of life.
What practical impact can knowledge that focuses on 'difference' instead of unity have on a person's attitude and actions?
When a person holds knowledge that focuses on differences, it often leads to division, comparison, and even conflict. Such an outlook can foster feelings of superiority, inferiority, or competition, making it harder to cultivate compassion, harmony, and cooperation with others.
Why does the Gita classify knowledge that sees only separation among beings as Rajasika rather than Sattvika?
Knowledge that sees only separation arises from restlessness and passion, which are qualities of Rajas. It distracts the mind from the essential unity that binds all life, promoting a sense of fragmentation rather than harmony. Sattvika knowledge, by contrast, perceives the oneness underlying all diversity and leads to peace and understanding.
But that knowledge which regardeth the several manifold existences in all beings as separate, that knowledge know thou as of passion;
What do “thy” and “thou” mean?
“Thy” means “your”; “thou” and “thee” mean “you”; “thine” means “yours.” This historical translation is preserved as published.