Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 18: Freedom through Renunciation

Bhagavad Gita 18.19

jñānaṃ karma ca kartā ca tridhaiva guṇabhedataḥ | procyate guṇasaṃkhyāne yathāvacchṛṇu tānyapi ||

In the teaching on the qualities, knowledge, action, and the doer are each said to be of three kinds, according to the qualities. Hear about these as well, just as they are.

Modern context

Knowledge, action and the doer are each of three kinds according to the gunas. Chapter 17 sorted faith, food, sacrifice, austerity and giving this way. Chapter 18 now sorts knowledge, action, the doer, understanding, firmness and happiness. Together they form a complete map of the inner life, a way of recognising what is clear, what is restless and what is dull in everything we do.