The three kinds of intelligence and determination.

Now listen in detail. I will describe for you the three kinds of intelligence and determination, according to the three gunas.

The intelligence by which one distinguishes between what is right and wrong, what is to be feared and what is not, what shackles and what liberates, this intelligence proceeds from Virtue.

But the understanding which of religion or irreligion does not distinguish between the ways, nor does it distinguish between what is right and wrong to do, this imperfect understanding belongs to Passion.

But the mind which is bathed in delusion and darkness, which mistakes religion for irreligion and religion for irreligion, which always turns to the wrong path, this mind is of Ignorance.

The determination which cannot be broken, which the practice of Yoga steadfastly sustains, and which thus governs the mind, the very life and the movements of the senses, this determination proceeds from Virtue.

But the determination by which, in piety, the acquisition of goods and the gratification of the senses, one holds fast to some personal fruit, this determination belongs to Passion.

As for the determination which proves impotent to lead beyond dreaming, fear, lamentation, gloom and delusion, this inapt determination belongs to Ignorance.

The three kinds of happiness.

Now hear Me describe to you the three kinds of happiness enjoyed by the conditioned being, and by the repetition of which he sometimes comes to the end of all suffering. The happiness which at first may seem like poison, but in the end proves to be comparable to nectar, and which awakens to spiritual realization, this happiness is said to proceed from Virtue.

But happiness born of the contact of the senses with their objects, which at first is like nectar, but in the end takes the taste of poison, this happiness is said to belong to Passion.

As for happiness which is blind to spiritual realization, and which from beginning to end is nothing but a chimera, resulting from sleep, laziness and illusion, this happiness is said to belong to Ignorance.

No being, either on earth or among the devas [celestial beings] on the higher planets, is free from the influence of the three gunas.

Brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas and sudras [learned sages, warriors and administrators, traders and farmers, and laborers] are distinguished by the qualities they manifest in action, according to the influence of the three gunas.

Serenity, self-control, austerity, purity, forbearance, integrity, wisdom, knowledge and piety are the qualities that accompany the act of the brahmana [wise scholar].