Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7, Verse 27

English Translation

O scion of the Bharata dynasty, O destroyer of foes, due to the delusion of duality arising from likes and dislikes, all creatures become bewildered at the time of their birth.

Detailed Commentary

।।7.27।। Elucidation— ‘From desire and aversion arises the delusion of dualities (Dvanda-moha), which turns beings away from the Bhagavan, causing them to repeatedly take birth in this world. One should turn away from the world and dedicate oneself solely to the Bhagavan. However, humans, not appreciating the importance of discernment (Viveka), engage in activity (pravrtti) and inactivity (nivrtti) due to attachment (Raga) and aversion (Dvesha), which leads to their downfall. A human being should fix their mind upon the Paramatma and withdraw it from the world. But when one directs these two faculties solely towards the world, then the same love (prema) and detachment (vairagya) transform into Raga and Dvesha respectively, causing entanglement. Sometimes, through सत्संग (association with saints) and study of scriptures, good thoughts arise in the mind. Yet, due to Raga, one thinks, "I desire worldly comfort and want to remove adversity." It is for this reason that one holds firmly to Raga-Dvesha. If there is intense Raga for a single object, such as the devotion of Bhakta Bilvamangala to a courtesan, even then salvation can be attained. Similarly, individuals like Shishupala and Kamsa, by harboring enmity towards the Bhagavan, could also attain their welfare. The essence is that when there is attraction towards the Bhagavan, a person achieves liberation (uddhara). As Raga-Dvesha and dualities increase, ignorance (mudhata) grows, leading to one's downfall. Therefore, the Bhagavan has advised being free from dualities (dvandva-rahita). A person free from dualities attains liberation happily and achieves the imperishable state (avinashi pada). From the perspective of the scriptures, the cause of birth and death is ignorance (ajnana), but from the perspective of the saints, it is the misuse of Raga. By utilizing circumstances appropriately, delusion (sammoha) dissipates. Among spiritual aspirants (sadhakas), there is a belief that spiritual practices (sadhan-bhajan) are separate from worldly activities (samsaric kamdhandha). This distinction prevents the sadhaka from progressing quickly. Sadhakas should not maintain this distinction in their attitude, whether they are performing spiritual tasks or worldly ones. The sentiment of attaining the Bhagavan should be present in both types of actions. By doing so, both actions become means (sadhan) to the goal. Connection—In the previous verse, the Bhagavan spoke of those deluded by Dvanda-moha. Now, in the following verse, He speaks of those who are free from Dvanda-moha.