Chapter 7 Verse 14
Jñāna Vijñāna Yog
दैवी ह्येषा गुणमयी मम माया दुरत्यया। मामेव ये प्रपद्यन्ते मायामेतां तरन्ति ते।।7.14।।
daivī hyeṣhā guṇa-mayī mama māyā duratyayā mām eva ye prapadyante māyām etāṁ taranti te
Word Meanings
| daivī | divine |
| hi | certainly |
| eṣhā | this |
| guṇa-mayī | consisting of the three modes of nature |
| mama | my |
| māyā | one of God’s energies. It that veils God’s true nature from souls who have not yet attained the eligibility for God-realization |
| duratyayā | very difficult to overcome |
| mām | unto me |
| eva | certainly |
| ye | who |
| prapadyante | surrender |
| māyām etām | this Maya |
| taranti | cross over |
| te | they |
Translation
Verily, this divine illusion of Mine, composed of the three qualities, is difficult to cross over; those who take refuge in Me alone, can cross over this illusion.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that Maya — God’s own power that shapes the world — is made of three basic qualities (sattva: calmness, rajas: activity, tamas: dullness). These qualities create the changing experiences and hide the true, steady Self. Because this veil comes from the Divine, it is hard to overcome by effort alone.
Still, there is a direct way through: sincere surrender to God. When a person truly turns to the divine with trust and devotion, that grip of Maya loosens and the person can cross over the web of changing moods and identities.
Practically, the teaching points to inner freedom: stop identifying completely with moods, roles, or results. Trust and steady spiritual practice open the heart and reveal a deeper, stable reality beyond the three qualities.
Life Application
- When you feel stuck in restlessness, lethargy, or overdrive, pause and name the quality (sattva/rajas/tamas) instead of reacting; this creates space.
- Make a simple daily habit of offering your actions and results to a higher power (a short prayer, mantra, or mindful dedication).
- Keep consistent small practices (service, prayer, meditation) rather than trying dramatic fixes; steady surrender transforms gradual habits.
Reflection Question
What one small habit can you offer to a higher purpose today to see beyond your changing moods?