البيت 14.614.114.214.314.414.514.614.714.814.914.1014.1114.1214.1314.1414.1514.1614.1714.1814.1914.2014.2114.2214.2314.2414.2514.2614.27

Of these, Sattva, which from its stainlessness is luminous and healthy, binds by attachment to happiness and by attachment to knowledge, O sinless one.

Of these, clarity, being stainless, is luminous and free of affliction. It binds, sinless one, through attachment to happiness and attachment to knowledge.

Krishna begins with clarity (sattva). Because it is pure, it gives light and is free from disturbance. It is the most desirable of the three. Yet even clarity binds, through attachment to happiness and attachment to knowledge. This is a subtle and important point. One can become attached to feeling peaceful or to being wise, and that attachment, though refined, is still a bond. The verse warns against spiritual complacency. The goal is not to settle in the pleasant state of clarity but to go beyond all three qualities.