Chapter 7 Verse 27
Jñāna Vijñāna Yog
इच्छाद्वेषसमुत्थेन द्वन्द्वमोहेन भारत। सर्वभूतानि संमोहं सर्गे यान्ति परन्तप।।7.27।।
ichchhā-dveṣha-samutthena dvandva-mohena bhārata sarva-bhūtāni sammohaṁ sarge yānti parantapa
Word Meanings
| ichchhā | desire |
| dveṣha | aversion |
| samutthena | arise from |
| dvandva | of duality |
| mohena | from the illusion |
| bhārata | Arjun, descendant of Bharat |
| sarva | all |
| bhūtāni | living beings |
| sammoham | into delusion |
| sarge | since birth |
| yānti | enter |
| parantapa | Arjun, conqueror of enemies |
Translation
O Bharata, all beings are subject to delusion at birth due to the delusion of the pairs of opposites arising from desire and aversion, O Parantapa.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna says that desire and aversion create the pairs of opposites (like pleasure–pain, gain–loss, praise–blame). These opposites pull the mind back and forth and cover our true understanding. This swinging creates a natural cloud of confusion or delusion that people carry from birth.
Because we identify with what we like and reject what we don’t, we mistake temporary outcomes for lasting truth. The verse points out that this habit of reacting to dualities keeps us trapped in repeated confusion unless we learn to see beyond it.
Life Application
- Notice when your choices come from strong desire or strong dislike; pause and ask if the reaction is necessary or helpful.
- Practice small acts of non-attachment: accept results without extreme joy or despair (e.g., after a good or bad outcome, take a calm breath and reflect).
- Train the mind with steady habits (mindfulness, prayer, honest self-checks) so you respond from clarity rather than from impulse.
Reflection Question
When did a desire or aversion recently make you lose your calm or cloud your judgment?