Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 14.13

“Darkness, inertia, negligence, and delusion—these arise when tamas prevails, O Kurunandana.”
Key Teaching: Tamas manifests as darkness, inertia, and delusion.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna states that darkness, inertia, negligence, and delusion arise when tamas prevails. This verse, continuing 14.12, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna describes tamas’ signs, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, and Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he warns of bondage, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana’s ignorance (1.3–11) reflects tamas, contrasting Arjuna’s clarity (1.28–46). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.9), detailing tamas’ effects, and builds on rajas’ signs (14.12). Krishna completes the gunas’ manifestations.

Philosophically, the verse highlights tamas’ delusive nature, a theme refined with teachings on ignorance (13.9). Arjuna’s path is clarified by avoiding tamasic traits. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga warns against delusiondriven bondage. The verse connects to teachings on clarity (2.52).

Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s darkness, where tamas binds. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to transcend inertia, aligning with moksha. The description resonates with Arjuna’s need for clarity.