Chapter 18 Verse 32
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
अधर्मं धर्ममिति या मन्यते तमसाऽऽवृता।सर्वार्थान्विपरीतांश्च बुद्धिः सा पार्थ तामसी।।18.32।।
adharmaṁ dharmam iti yā manyate tamasāvṛitā sarvārthān viparītānśh cha buddhiḥ sā pārtha tāmasī
Word Meanings
| adharmam | irreligion |
| dharmam | religion |
| iti | thus |
| yā | which |
| manyate | imagines |
| tamasa-āvṛitā | shrouded in darkness |
| sarva-arthān | all things |
| viparītān | opposite |
| cha | and |
| buddhiḥ | intellect |
| sā | that |
| pārtha | Arjun, the son of Pritha |
| tāmasī | of the nature of ignorance |
Translation
That intellect, O Arjuna, which is enveloped in darkness and sees Adharma as Dharma and all things perverted, is Tamasic (dark).
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse warns that when the mind is clouded by darkness (tamas), it mistakes wrong for right and reverses the true meaning of things. A tamasic intellect confuses values and judges poorly, thinking harmful or selfish actions are proper.
Spiritually, such confusion cuts us off from clear seeing of our duty and from inner growth. Clarity of mind (sattva) and steady discrimination are needed to recognize what truly leads to well-being and what only appears attractive in the moment.
Life Application
- Pause before major choices: check if a decision harms others or your long-term good, not just what feels easy now.
- Seek simple daily clarity practices: short meditation, honest self-reflection, or asking a trusted friend for perspective.
- Reduce habits that cloud judgment (overeating, too much screen time, lack of sleep) and build steady routines that sharpen awareness.
Reflection Question
Where in my life am I confusing immediate comfort for what is truly right?