Chapter 7 Verse 13
Jñāna Vijñāna Yog
त्रिभिर्गुणमयैर्भावैरेभिः सर्वमिदं जगत्। मोहितं नाभिजानाति मामेभ्यः परमव्ययम्।।7.13।।
tribhir guṇa-mayair bhāvair ebhiḥ sarvam idaṁ jagat mohitaṁ nābhijānāti māmebhyaḥ param avyayam
Word Meanings
| tribhiḥ | by three |
| guṇa-mayaiḥ | consisting of the modes of material nature |
| bhāvaiḥ | states |
| ebhiḥ | all these |
| sarvam | whole |
| idam | this |
| jagat | universe |
| mohitam | deluded |
| na | not |
| abhijānāti | know |
| mām | me |
| ebhyaḥ | these |
| param | the supreme |
| avyayam | imperishable |
Translation
Deluded by these Natures, composed of the three qualities of Nature, all this world does not know Me as distinct from them and immutable.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says the whole world is made up of three changing qualities of nature (the gunas). These qualities shape our thoughts, feelings and actions, and they make us see only change.
Because we are caught up in these changing states, we become confused and do not recognize the unchanging, supreme Self behind them. In other words, we take passing moods, desires, and identities for our true being.
This misunderstanding keeps us trapped in worry, attachment and conflict. Spiritual practice helps us notice the changing parts and turn attention to the steady, imperishable presence beneath them.
Life Application
- When you feel carried away by a strong mood or desire, pause and ask whether this feeling will last—this creates space between you and the change.
- Build a short daily practice (5–15 minutes of quiet, breath awareness, or prayer) to meet the steady witness inside you again and again.
- Choose actions from calm clarity rather than from sudden impulses—this reduces harm and brings steadier results.
Reflection Question
Which feelings or habits am I mistaking for who I truly am?