While guiding Arjuna to act wisely (18.19-40), Krishna analyzes various elements of action in succession. One such element is determination (18.33-35), which essentially refers to the capacity to translate intention into action.  

When our determination is in the mode of ignorance, we hold on to self-defeating thought-patterns such as daydreaming, fearing and lamenting — even though we experience the resulting futility and misery (18.33). Arjuna could have succumbed to such a mindset if he had continued to lament about having to fight a fratricidal war; instead, he turned to Krishna for guidance. 

When our determination is in the mode of passion, we accept great difficulties for the pursuit of worldly pleasures (18.34). If Arjuna had been motivated by the desire for kingdom, he would have had no hesitation to fight the war, whatever its cost in terms of loss of relatives. But Arjuna’s consciousness was too evolved to settle for such a goal — hence his declaration that winning the kingdom wouldn’t provide him relief (02.08).

When our determination is in the mode of goodness, we learn to resolutely regulate ourselves and practice yoga to pursue some trans-material purpose (18.35). Arjuna had already exhibited such a determination: though he had been physically paralyzed (01.46) and emotionally afflicted (02.01), Arjuna had pulled himself together to hear the Gita attentively. And hearing the Gita further solidified and sublimated his determination. Appreciating that he had the priceless opportunity to pursue the highest purpose — be an instrument of Krishna’s benevolent plan for the world — he resolved to make his will one with Krishna’s will (18.73). 

One-sentence summary:

By analyzing determination in the three modes, Krishna encourages Arjuna to resolutely pursue the higher purpose of becoming an instrument for the all-auspicious divine will.

Think it over:

  • How did determination in the mode of ignorance relate with Arjuna’s situation? 
  • How did determination in the mode of passion relate with Arjuna’s situation? 
  • How did determination in the mode of goodness relate with Arjuna’s situation?  

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18.33: O son of Prutha, that determination which is unbreakable, which is sustained with steadfastness by yoga practice, and which thus controls the activities of the mind, life and senses is determination in the mode of goodness.

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