Krishna says, "I have created four 𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙨 (divisions) based on differentiation of 𝙜𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙨 and 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙨, but know Me to be the non-doer and immutable (4.13). 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙝𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙨, 𝙆𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙮𝙖𝙨, 𝙑𝙖𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙨, and 𝙎𝙝𝙪𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙨 perform 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙨 according to the 𝙜𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙨 springing from their nature" (18.41). 

Firstly, our divisive mind builds hierarchies around us. Secondly, falsehood is nothing but a manipulated truth. Together, a falsehood was built that the divisions are based on birth and are hierarchical. But, the simple truth is that humans are of four types because of the 𝙜𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙨 and 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙨. Moreover, this division is not a tool to judge a person. These facts need to be kept in mind while understanding verses dealing with varnas or castes which still dominate the social and political fabric of our society. 

While explaining 𝙜𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙨, Krishna says, "Three 𝙜𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙨 of 𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙫𝙖, 𝙧𝙖𝙟𝙖𝙨 and 𝙩𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙨 bind the soul (14.5). 𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙫𝙖 binds through attachment to knowledge (14.6). 𝙍𝙖𝙟𝙖𝙨 binds the embodied soul through attachment to action (14.7). 𝙏𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙨 binds through sleep" (14.8). Essentially, each 𝙜𝙪𝙣𝙖 binds us in one way or another. 

One 𝙜𝙪𝙣𝙖 may be dominant in us throughout our lives determining our personality. But, each day of our life is a product of the interplay of these 𝙜𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙨.  For example, when we are given a task in the office which requires additional knowledge, 𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙫𝙖 helps us to attain it. 𝙍𝙖𝙟𝙖𝙨 is the desire to execute tasks as per the deadline. By the end of the day when we get tired, 𝙩𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙨 helps us with sleep. Similarly, if we are driving to a new place, knowing the direction is 𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙫𝙞𝙠 and driving is 𝙧𝙖𝙟𝙖𝙨.

Binding is another name for 𝙜𝙪𝙣𝙖 and dependence on them is bondage. Golden handcuffs don't make bondage any better than iron ones. 𝙂𝙪𝙣𝙖-𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙝 is transcending this bondage to attain ultimate freedom where 𝙜𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙨 become tools.

https://epaper.dailyworld.in/Details.aspx?id=147772&boxid=78075&uid=&dat=2024-10-27