Pravrittim cha nivrittim cha kaaryaakaaarye bhayaabhaye | Bandham moksham cha yaa vetti buddhih saa paartha saattvikee ||30||
Translation
O Partha, that intellect which knows when to act and when to withdraw, what ought to be done and what ought not, what is to be feared and what is not, and what binds and what liberates — that intellect is in the mode of goodness.
Word-by-Word Meaning
प्रवृत्तिम्
action/engagement
च
and
निवृत्तिम्
renunciation/withdrawal
कार्य-अकार्ये
what should and should not be done
भय-अभये
fear and fearlessness
बन्धम्
bondage
मोक्षम्
liberation
च
and
या
which
वेत्ति
knows
बुद्धिः
intellect
सा
that
पार्थ
O Partha (Arjuna)
सात्त्विकी
in the mode of goodness
Commentary
Commentary
Sattvic intellect is the ability to see clearly what truly matters. It operates on multiple levels of discernment, each one building upon the last.
First, it knows pravritti and nivritti — when to engage and when to withdraw. Not every moment calls for action; not every situation requires retreat. Knowing the difference is wisdom. Second, it distinguishes kaarya from akaarya — what ought to be done from what ought not. This is moral and scriptural discernment.
Third, it understands bhaya and abhaya — what truly deserves fear and what does not. The person of sattvic intellect does not fear what is harmless, nor is he reckless about genuine dangers. And finally, it comprehends bandha and moksha — what leads to bondage and what leads to liberation. This is the highest form of discrimination.
According to the scriptural directions, one should know what actions to perform and what to refrain from. Those who know these scriptural injunctions and act accordingly possess sattvic buddhi. The intellect that can distinguish between right action and wrong action, between what binds and what liberates — that is the intellect in goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Bhagavad Gita 18.30 mean?
- O Partha, that intellect which knows when to act and when to withdraw, what ought to be done and what ought not, what is to be feared and what is not, and what binds and what liberates — that intellect is in the mode of goodness.
- What is the Sanskrit text of Bhagavad Gita 18.30?
- The original Sanskrit verse is: Pravrittim cha nivrittim cha kaaryaakaaarye bhayaabhaye | Bandham moksham cha yaa vetti buddhih saa paartha saattvikee ||30||
- What are the key themes of this verse?
- This verse explores: intellect, three modes, goodness, sattva, discrimination, liberation.