Bhagwad Gita - Post 228

 Verse 21

But that knowledge which sees in all beings various entities of distinct kinds as different from one another—know thou that knowledge to be Rajasic (passionate).

Knowledge which sees as knowledge cannot be an agent? This should be interpreted to mean knowledge by which one sees entities selves or souls as different from one another, regarding them as different in different bodies.

The knowledge that is led by the idea of separateness is passionate. Enveloping as it does the manifold creation with the veil of separateness, it deludes even the wise man. 

Owing to passionate knowledge, beings appear to be separate and the perception of unity is also lost sight of. 

That knowledge which beholds multiplicity in created objects and differentiates them as being small or great? According to their form and size? Is of passionate nature and tainted. A man with passionate knowledge sees diversity everywhere. He beholds the many only.

Everything is different. There are trees here, cattle there, water here; there is a solar system there, earth here, planets there, human beings here, animals there. There is no connection of one thing with another thing; everything stands independently by itself, as it were. 

This kind of idea that we entertain—namely, that everything is independent by itself and there can be no connection, no relation whatsoever between one thing and another thing—that knowledge is rajasic because it is the perception of a distracted mind that is divided inside and, therefore, it sees division outside also.

Basically, even as we go through various satsanghs, various classes on transcendental knowledge of Brahman, when we approach the learning with a rajasic mind, then what happens??

We keep ourselves separate and the knowledge/learning as separate.

How much ever  a Guru may teach such a person that he and Brahman are one, still, a Rajasic Brahman will keep saying, “ Yes, I know, I have no doubt, Me and Brahman are one”, but  he will / may not turn this knowledge into subjective experience!!

Verse 22

But that which clings to one single effect as if it were the whole, without reason, without foundation in Truth, and trivial—that is declared to be Tamasic (dark).

Whereas rajasic knowledge at least recognizes the existence of many things, tamasic knowledge clings to one thing only. 

The knowledge which regards that each and every object or being exists by itself and is perfect by itself is Tamasic.

One single effect such as the body and thinking it to be the Self  or an idol  taking it for God  and thinking that there is nothing higher than that.

Some jains consider that the soul which dwells in the body is of the same size as that of the body. 

Some regard that Isvara is a mere piece of stone or wood. Such knowledge is really not based on reason. It does not see things in their true light. 

It is narrow (alpam) as it is not founded on reason. It produces very small results too. It extends over a limited area and is not all comprehensive. This knowledge is said to be Tamasic, as it is found in tamasic persons who are devoid of the power of discrimination.

Love.