1 Gita Sloka Every Day - Chapter 18 - Moksha Sanyasa Yoga - Sloka 29

The entire content of this mail is from Shri V N Gopala Desikan's  Srimad Bhagavad Gita, published by Vishishtadvaita Research Centre, Chennai and The Bhagavad Gita by Swami Chidbhavananda published by Ramakrishna Mission

The gradations of understanding and of firmness are being explained now:

The Three Gunas Give Impetus to Karma - 18-40

1 Gita Sloka  Every Day - Chapter 18 - Moksha Sanyasa Yoga - Sloka 29

Elephant sent to stomp Prahalada

Budhtheh bheddam dhruteh cha eva gunathah trividham shrunu I

Prochyamanam asheshena  pruthak tvena dhananjaya II sloka 29

बुध्थेः भेद्दं धृतेः च एव गुनथः त्रिविधं शृणु I 

प्रोच्यमानं अशेषेण पृथक् त्वेन धनञ्जय II श्लोक 29

Hear the threefold distinction of understanding (intellect or buddhi) and firmness (perseverance), according to gunas, as I explain the exhaustively and severally, O Dhananjaya

When Arjuna was itinerating in heaven and on earth, he demanded and took away fabulous wealth from the celestials and from  kings. So he is called Dhananjaya or conqueror of wealth. Money is not intended to be hoarded or kept idle. It has to circulate and be useful to a large section of people. When that public purpose is not served, the ruling king has got the right to take possession of the property and utilise it properly. And Arjuna discharged that kingly duty very effectively. 

Buddhi or understanding is the faculty of distinguishing between good and bad, between right and wrong action. There are three grades of the grasping power. Dhriti denotes firmness of mind that does not slacken or waver in the execution of a work. In this fixation of purpose also there three forms. 

Dolls may be made of sugar, cloth or stone. The sugar doll soaked in water dissolves away.  The cloth doll absorbs plenty of water, but does not lose its individuality. The stone doll does not allow water to percolate. Men who are prepared to merge their individuality in Paramatman are like the sugar dolls. Devotees that imbibe bliss and wisdom from the doll are like the cloth doll.The hard baked worldly man who does not believe in god is like the stone doll.

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa