Chapter 7 Verse 4
Jñāna Vijñāna Yog
भूमिरापोऽनलो वायुः खं मनो बुद्धिरेव च। अहङ्कार इतीयं मे भिन्ना प्रकृतिरष्टधा।।7.4।।
bhūmir-āpo ’nalo vāyuḥ khaṁ mano buddhir eva cha ahankāra itīyaṁ me bhinnā prakṛitir aṣhṭadhā
Word Meanings
| bhūmiḥ | earth |
| āpaḥ | water |
| analaḥ | fire |
| vāyuḥ | air |
| kham | space |
| manaḥ | mind |
| buddhiḥ | intellect |
| eva | certainly |
| cha | and |
| ahankāraḥ | ego |
| iti | thus |
| iyam | all these |
| me | my |
| bhinnā | divisions |
| prakṛitiḥ | material energy |
| aṣhṭadhā | eightfold |
Translation
Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intellect, and egoism—thus is My Nature divided eightfold.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna says that the whole material world is made of eight parts: the five physical elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) and three inner faculties (mind, intellect, ego). These together form the visible and mental nature we live in.
By naming mind, intellect, and ego as part of this nature, the verse teaches that thoughts, choices, and self‑importance are also natural phenomena—not the deepest self. The true Self is beyond these changing parts.
Realizing this helps you step back from automatic reactions. When you see feelings and thoughts as elements of nature, you can use your discrimination to respond more wisely and with less attachment.
Life Application
- Notice and name what you feel: body sensations (earth, water), emotions (fire), breath (air), and empty space. Simple naming reduces anxiety.
- When you feel defensive or proud, mentally label it “ego” and breathe. This creates a small gap to choose a calmer response.
- Use your intellect to ask, “Is this mine to hold?” before acting. This reduces needless attachment and impulsive behavior.
Reflection Question
Which of these eight parts do I most identify with right now, and can I watch it without holding on?