Shloka 53
Adhyāya 314 — हिमवदाश्रमः, शक्तिक्षेपकथा, तथा स्वाध्यायविधिः
Himalayan Hermitage, the Myth of the Thrown Spear, and Rules of Vedic Study
सत्त्वस्य रजसश्वैव तमसश्न शृणुष्व मे । अब मैं सत्त्व, रज और तम--इन तीनों गुणोंके द्वन्द्र और संनिपात-का यथार्थरूपसे वर्णन करता हूँ, सुनो
sattvasya rajasaś caiva tamasaś ca śṛṇuṣva me |
阎若伐迦说道：“听我说。我将如实阐明三种古那（guṇa）——萨埵、罗阇与多摩——说明它们如何彼此对立，又如何在种种配合中相互杂糅。”
याज़्वल्क्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse introduces an analysis of the three guṇas—sattva, rajas, and tamas—emphasizing that ethical and psychological states arise from their opposition (dvandva) and their mixed combinations (sannipāta). Understanding these forces is presented as a basis for discernment and right conduct.
In the didactic setting of the Śānti Parva, the sage Yājñavalkya begins a structured exposition: he calls the listener’s attention and announces that he will describe the guṇas in their true form, preparing for a detailed teaching that follows.