Loading...
Current layer: Translation
Chapter 18 • Verse 32
The Yoga of Liberation by Renunciation
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna explains tamasic intellect. 'Adharmaṁ dharmam iti yā manyate tamasāvṛtā'—that intellect (yā buddhiḥ) which, covered by tamas (tamasā āvṛtā), considers (manyate) non-duty as duty (adharmam dharmam iti). 'Sarvārthān viparītāṁś ca buddhiḥ sā pārtha tāmasī'—and all things as inverted (sarvārthān viparītān), that intellect (sā buddhiḥ) is tamasic (tāmasī), O Arjuna (pārtha). This is tamasic intellect: completely wrong understanding, covered by ignorance, seeing everything inverted. It considers non-duty as duty, wrong as right, harmful as beneficial. This intellect is driven by tamas (ignorance), which creates complete delusion. Unlike sattvic intellect (clear, discerning) and rajasic intellect (confused but partially aware), tamasic intellect is completely wrong and inverted. This is the lowest kind of intellect: ignorant, deluded, seeing everything backwards.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
This verse explains tamasic intellect: that intellect which, covered by tamas (tamasāvṛtā), considers non-duty as duty (adharmaṁ dharmam iti yā manyate) and all things as inverted (sarvārthān viparītāṁś ca), is tamasic (buddhiḥ sā pārtha tāmasī). This is the lowest kind of intellect: completely wrong understanding, covered by ignorance, seeing everything inverted. It considers non-duty as duty, wrong as right, harmful as beneficial. This intellect is driven by tamas (ignorance), which creates complete delusion. Unlike sattvic intellect (clear, discerning) and rajasic intellect (confused but partially aware), tamasic intellect is completely wrong and inverted. When you understand this, you realize: you can work toward sattvic intellect by developing clear, discerning understanding, moving from tamasic (ignorant, inverted) to sattvic (clear, discerning) intellect.
Personal Reflection
Are you covered by ignorance, considering non-duty as duty, seeing everything inverted? Are you operating with tamasic intellect? What would change if you understood tamasic intellect and worked toward sattvic intellect—clear, discerning understanding?
Shortcuts
←/→ Verses
↑/↓ Layers