The intelligence by which one distinguishes what is proper and what is not proper to do, what is to be feared and what is not, what binds and what liberates—this intelligence proceeds from Virtue.

But the intelligence that does not distinguish the paths between religion and irreligion, nor does it distinguish what is proper and what is not—this imperfect intelligence belongs to Passion.

As for the intelligence steeped in illusion and darkness, which mistakes irreligion for religion and religion for irreligion, which always turns to the wrong path, this intelligence belongs to Ignorance.

The unbreakable determination, which the practice of yoga steadfastly sustains, and which thus governs the mind, life itself, and the movements of the senses, this determination proceeds from Virtue.

But the determination by which, in piety, the acquisition of goods, and the gratification of the senses, one holds strongly to some personal fruit, this determination belongs to Passion.

As for the determination that proves powerless to lead beyond dream, fear, lamentation, gloom, and illusion, this inept determination belongs to Ignorance.

The Three Kinds of Happiness.

Now listen to Me describe the three kinds of happiness enjoyed by the conditioned being, and through repetition, through which he sometimes reaches the end of all suffering. Happiness, which at first may seem like poison, but ultimately proves comparable to nectar, and which awakens one to spiritual realization, is said to proceed from Virtue.

But happiness born from contact between the senses and their objects, which at first is like nectar, but ultimately takes on the taste of poison, is said to belong to Passion.

As for happiness blind to spiritual realization, which from beginning to end is only a chimera, born of sleep, laziness, and delusion, is said to pertain to Ignorance.

No being, neither on Earth nor among the devas [celestial beings] on the higher planets, is free from the influence of the three gunas. Brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas, and sudras [the learned sages, warriors and administrators, traders and farmers, and workers] are distinguished by the qualities they manifest in action, according to the influence of the three gunas.

Serenity, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, integrity, wisdom, knowledge, and piety—these are the qualities that accompany the actions of the brahmana [the learned sage].