न तदस्ति पृथिव्यां वा दिवि देवेषु वा पुनः।सत्त्वं प्रकृतिजैर्मुक्तं यदेभिः स्यात् त्रिचूर्णगुणैः।।18.40।।
na tad asti pṛthivyāṁ vā divi deveṣu vā punaḥ; sattvaṁ prakṛti‑jaiḥ muktam yadebhiḥ syāt tri‑guṇaiḥ
Translation
There is no being on earth or in the higher realms, nor again, whose existence, being born of material nature, is liberated, who can be free from these three modes of material nature.
Word Meanings
na — not; tat — that; asti — there is; pṛthivyām — on the earth; vā — or; divi — in the higher planetary system; deveṣu — amongst the demigods; vā — or; punaḥ — again; sattvam — existence; prakṛti‑jaiḥ — born of material nature; muktam — liberated; yat — that; ebhiḥ — from the influence of these; syāt — is; tribhiḥ — three; guṇaiḥ — modes of material nature.
Understanding the Verse
Verse 18.40 of the Bhagavad Gita concludes the discourse on the three fundamental qualities—sattva, rajas, and tamas—by stating a profound universal truth. The text declares that no individual, whether dwelling on the terrestrial plane or residing in the celestial abodes, can escape the influence of these three gunas. This assertion emphasizes the pervasiveness of material nature (prakṛti) in shaping every aspect of existence, from the smallest creature to the most exalted deity. The verse serves as a reminder that even beings considered divine are not exempt from material conditioning.
The phrase "sattvaṁ prakṛti‑jaiḥ muktam" highlights that the very essence of material nature gives rise to all forms of existence. While "muktam" denotes liberation, the verse clarifies that such liberation is not a permanent state for any being bound by the three qualities. Only through divine grace or profound self‑realization can one transcend the incessant pull of guna‑driven tendencies. The verse thus prepares the seeker for the ultimate teaching that true freedom lies beyond the material spectrum, achievable only by aligning with the Supreme Consciousness.
By mentioning both "pṛthivyāṁ" (on earth) and "divi deveṣu" (in the higher realms), the Gita underscores the cosmic scale of this principle. Whether a mortal, a sage, a demigod, or even the supreme creator, the sway of guna permeates all. This universality dissolves any illusion of spiritual hierarchy based solely on external status, urging practitioners to focus on inner transformation rather than outward distinctions.
The concluding "punaḥ" (again) serves as a rhetorical device, reinforcing that the statement is not merely a one‑time observation but a recurring reality across all planes of existence. It invites the listener to reflect repeatedly on the inevitability of guna‑influence, fostering humility and a deeper yearning for the knowledge that can lead beyond it. The verse, therefore, functions as both an epilogue to the discussion on duty (kṣetra‑kṣetra‑vibhāga) and a bridge to the subsequent teachings on divine worship and surrender.
In practical terms, this verse encourages seekers to recognize the subtle ways gunas manifest in thoughts, emotions, and actions. By cultivating awareness of sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic tendencies, one can consciously cultivate sattva, mitigate rajas, and transcend tamas. Such disciplined effort, coupled with devotion to the Supreme, paves the way for the eventual liberation (mokṣa) that lies beyond the reach of the three modes. The verse thus remains timeless, offering both a philosophical anchor and a guide for daily spiritual practice.
