Work,’ no doubt, is constituted of the three factors: the “knowledge,” the “action” and the “actor.” Each of these three factors was shown to fall under a three-fold classification and all these classifications were described in the foregoing NINE STANZAS. When an actor, guided by his knowledge, acts in the world, no doubt, manifestation of work takes place. But underlying these three, are TWO FACTORS which supply the fuel and the motive force in all sustained endeavours. They are “understanding” (Buddhi) and “fortitude” (Dhriti).

Buddhi, or “understanding,” means “the intellectual capacity in the individual to grasp what is happening around him.” “Fortitude” (Dhriti) is “the faculty of constantly keeping one idea in the mind and consistently working it out to its logical end”; consistency of purpose and self-application, without allowing oneself to be tossed about hither and thither like a dry leaf at the mercy of a fickle breeze, is called “fortitude.”

Every action is controlled and guided by our intellectual capacity of “understanding,” and faithful consistency of purpose, “fortitude.” This stanza is an introduction to a scientific discussion of these two faculties (Buddhi and Dhriti) and their three-fold classification.

WHAT IS SATTWIC UNDERSTANDING?

O Dhananjaya, srnu, listen; bhedam, to the classification; buddheh, of the intellect; ca eva, as also; the classification dhrteh, of fortitude; trividham, which is threefold; gunatah, according to the gunas, sattva etc. -this much is an apporistic statement-; procyamanam, while it is being stated; asesena, elaborately, just as it is, without omitting anything; and prthaktvena, severally. Arjuna is called Dhananjaya because, in the course of his expedition to conquer all the qaurters. he won immense human and divine wealth (dhana).