Shloka 70
An Exposition of the Distinctions of Creation, Inert Matter, and the Lord
तमसोपेक्षया तत्र तम एकादशं स्मृतम् / एकांशस्तु रजो ज्ञेयमेवमाहुर्मनीषिणः / एवं च मिलितान्भागान्वक्ष्ये शृणु महामते
tamasopekṣayā tatra tama ekādaśaṃ smṛtam / ekāṃśastu rajo jñeyamevamāhurmanīṣiṇaḥ / evaṃ ca militānbhāgānvakṣye śṛṇu mahāmate
അവിടെ തമസ്സിനെ സംബന്ധിച്ച് തമസ് പതിനൊന്ന് ഭാഗമെന്നു സ്മരിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു; രജസ് ഒരു ഭാഗമെന്നു അറിയണം— ഇങ്ങനെ മनीഷികൾ പറയുന്നു. ഇങ്ങനെ ചേർന്ന അംശങ്ങൾ ഞാൻ വിവരിക്കും; ഹേ മഹാമതേ, ശ്രവിക്ക॥
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: In a given comparative frame, tamas is eleven parts and rajas one part; the teacher will next explain combined proportions—systematic guṇa arithmetic.
Vedantic Theme: Quantified models as pedagogical aids for guṇa-viveka; tamas-heavy mixtures explain delusion and inertia; synthesis points toward integrated understanding.
Application: Recognize tamas-dominant states (procrastination, dullness) and introduce rajasic activation first (structured action), then refine toward sattva (clarity and balance).
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: 3.4.67 (rajas divisions) and 3.4.68–69 (comparative tenth) leading into a combined scheme
FAQs
This verse frames the guṇas quantitatively—showing tamas as dominant relative to rajas—so the listener can understand how mixed states of mind and nature are classified in later explanations.
By emphasizing the dominance of tamas or rajas, it implies that a being’s tendencies and post-death trajectory are shaped by the prevailing guṇa-mixture, which the text proceeds to detail through combined proportions.
Use it as self-assessment: reduce tamasic habits (inertia, confusion) and regulate rajasic impulses (restlessness) through disciplined conduct and clarity-oriented practices to support dharmic living.