“Deluded by these three gunas, the world does not know Me, who am above them and imperishable.”
Key Teaching: Delusion by gunas prevents knowing Krishna’s imperishable nature.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Vijnana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that the world, deluded by the three gunas, fails to know him as the imperishable one above them. This verse, continuing 7.12, addresses Arjuna’s ignorance (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies delusion, and Jnana Vijnana Yoga, as he emphasizes divine knowledge, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s delusion (1.28–46) obscures Krishna’s nature. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s gunasdriven actions (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to overcome delusion for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 7.12).
Philosophically, this verse addresses the human delusion by gunas, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on transcendence (7.12). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to know his imperishable nature. The theme of Jnana Vijnana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on overcoming delusion.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its clarifying clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s delusions, where knowledge reveals Krishna. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with clear awareness, aligning with liberation.
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