Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 14.8

“Tamas, born of ignorance, deludes all beings; it binds by negligence, indolence, and sleep, O Bharata.”
Key Teaching: Tamas binds through ignorance, negligence, and indolence.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna describes tamas as born of ignorance, deluding beings and binding the soul through negligence, indolence, and sleep. This verse, continuing 14.7, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna explains tamas, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, and Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he highlights bondage, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana’s ignorance (1.3–11) reflects tamasic bondage, contrasting Arjuna’s clarity (1.28–46). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.9), detailing tamas’ effects, and builds on rajas (14.7). Krishna completes the gunas’ binding effects.

Philosophically, the verse reveals tamas’ delusive nature, a theme refined with teachings on ignorance (13.9). Arjuna’s path is clarified by transcending tamasic delusion. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga underscores liberation beyond ignorance. The verse connects to teachings on clarity (2.52).

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