The Triadic Trap and the Transcendent Self: A Study of Gunas and Liberation in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita

Abstract Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is not just a book but an encyclopedia of the life of man. In eighteen Adhyaya Lord Krishna elaborated the philosophy of man's life, Artha, Dharma, Karma, and Moksha. The human body consists of Panchmahabhutas of Prakriti, these components integrate from the three Gunas. To grasp the intricate teaching of the three Gunas – Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas – as outlined in the Shreemad Bhagavad Gita, and their metaphysical origin in Samkhya philosophy and their integration into Vedanta. It explains how these fundamental modes of Prakriti construct human consciousness, behavior, and perception of existence, ultimately having the soul entangled in the material world – the "Triadic Trap." The study outlines the distinctive nature and binding of each Guna, based on scriptural references from the Gita and comparative observations on the Srimad Bhagavatam. Along with this, it delves into the multi-faceted means of the Gita to moksha, intending to go beyond even the Sattva Guna to realize the Atman, unaffected by the fluctuations of Prakriti. Through Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga practices, the Gita offers a guidebook to disidentification from the Gunas and unification with the ultimate reality, while maintaining individual identity in love. This essay emphasizes Gita's unique blend of metaphysical understanding and spiritual realism in overcoming the intricacies of human existence and achieving liberation. Key Words: Gunas, Bhagavad Gita, Liberation, Prakriti, Transcendent Self