Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 22

English Translation

But that (knowledge) is said to be born of tamas which is confined to one form as though it were all, which is irrational, not concern with truth and triivial.

Detailed Commentary

Explanation: The Tamasic individual is completely attached to a single body and considers it their true self (Swarūpa). They think that they were a child, they are young, and they will be old. They pride themselves on their material possessions and qualities, considering themselves superior. Such thinking arises solely from ignorance (Mūḍhatā). Ahaittukam: The beliefs of the Tamasic person are contrary to logic and scriptures (Shāstras). They do not accept the distinct identity of the body and the soul (Ātmā). They refuse to accept that the body changes while the soul remains constant. Atattvārthavadalpaṁ cha: They remain devoid of the knowledge of the distinctness of the body and the soul, their understanding is very limited. Therefore, the Lord hesitates to call it knowledge (Jñāna). Ignorance (Mūḍhatā) is prominent in the Tamasic individual. The Lord has referred to it with the words 'Yat' and 'Tat' instead of calling it essential knowledge (Tāttvika Jñāna). Tat Tāmasam Udāhṛtam: Unreasoned, meager, and trivial understanding is called Tamasic. This is not true knowledge, but the Lord has described it alongside Sāttvika and Rājasic knowledge (Jñāna) so that the complete description of the threefold types of knowledge can be presented. Connection: Now the Lord describes Sāttvika Karma.