Shloka 29
Karma-Saṃnyāsa–Karma-Yoga Saṃvāda
Renunciation and the Discipline of Action
प्रकृतेर्गुणसम्मूढा: सज्जन्ते गुणकर्मसु । तानकृत्स्नविदो मन्दान् कृत्स्नविन्न विचालयेत्
prakṛter guṇa-sammūḍhāḥ sajjante guṇa-karmasu | tān akṛtsna-vido mandān kṛtsna-vit na vicālayet ||
Those whose understanding is bewildered by the guṇas of material nature become attached to the guṇas and to the actions that arise from them. A knower of the whole should not unsettle the dull-minded who grasp only a part; rather, he should guide without provoking confusion or contempt—especially in a time of grave duty and impending war.
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
People driven by the guṇas naturally cling to guṇa-based actions; therefore, the wise should not arrogantly disrupt the partially informed, but lead them skillfully toward clearer understanding and steadier dharma without causing inner conflict or resentment.
On the battlefield setting of Bhīṣma Parva, the teaching addresses how knowledge should be applied amid urgent duty: even when one sees deeper truth, one should counsel others in a way that supports right action rather than destabilizing those not yet ready for full insight.