Bhagavad Gita 3.29 · Krishna
Patience with those still learning
प्रकृतेर्गुणसम्मूढाः सज्जन्ते गुणकर्मसु।
तानकृत्स्नविदो मन्दान्कृत्स्नविन्न विचालयेत्॥
prakṛterguṇasammūḍhāḥ sajjante guṇakarmasutānakṛtsnavido mandānkṛtsnavinna vicālayet
Those confused by nature's forces cling to their actions. One who sees the whole should not unsettle those who see only part.
Words
- prakṛti
- guṇa
What it means
Krishna repeats an earlier point with more warmth. People caught by the gunas of prakriti, nature's forces, are attached to their work. That's normal. Those who understand more shouldn't shake them up or look down on them. Everyone is at their own stage.
The story
Krishna himself is showing this patience. He hasn't overwhelmed Arjuna with the highest truths at once. He's meeting him step by step. He wants Arjuna to learn the same gentleness with others.
In your life
Think of an experienced runner who, instead of lecturing a beginner about form, simply jogs beside them. Meet people where they are. Be patient with someone who's earlier on their path.
Walk beside people. Don't push them.