Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 14 · Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 14.8 तमस्त्वज्ञानजं विद्धि मोहनं सर्वदेहिनाम्
श्लोक 14.8
तमस्त्वज्ञानजं विद्धि मोहनं सर्वदेहिनाम् ।
प्रमादालस्यनिद्राभिस्तन्निबध्नाति भारत ॥
tamastvajñānajaṃ viddhi mohanaṃ sarvadehinām |
pramādālasyanidrābhistannibadhnāti bhārata ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
हे भारत, तमोगुण को अज्ञान से उत्पन्न और सब देहधारियों को मोहित करने वाला जानो। वह प्रमाद, आलस्य और निद्रा के द्वारा बाँधता है।
Meaning in English
Know tamas to be born of ignorance, deluding all embodied beings. It binds through carelessness, laziness and sleep, O Bharata.
Bhagavad Gita 14.8 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| तमः | tamaḥ | tamas |
| तु | tu | but |
| अज्ञानजम् | ajñāna-jam | born of ignorance |
| विद्धि | viddhi | know |
| मोहनम् | mohanam | deluding |
| सर्वदेहिनाम् | sarva-dehinām | of all embodied beings |
| प्रमादालस्यनिद्राभिः | pramāda-ālasya-nidrābhiḥ | through carelessness, laziness and sleep |
| तत् | tat | that |
| निबध्नाति | nibadhnāti | binds |
| भारत | bhārata | O Bharata |
Explanation
But know that tamas is born of ignorance and deludes all embodied beings. It binds them through carelessness, laziness and sleep, O Bharata. Tamas works by dulling the mind so that one neglects what needs to be done and drifts through life half awake.
Tamas is heaviness, dullness and confusion. Where sattva lights things up and rajas sets them moving, tamas covers and stalls. Its tools are heedlessness, sloth and excessive sleep. Commentators explain pramada as neglect of what should be done. Gandhi saw tamas as a particular danger for individuals and societies that settle into apathy, while teachers note that rest itself is not tamas, only rest that becomes escape.
भावार्थ
हे भारत! तमोगुण को अज्ञान से उत्पन्न और सब देहधारियों को मोहित करने वाला जान। वह प्रमाद, आलस्य और निद्रा के द्वारा बाँधता है। तमोगुण मन को सुस्त और भ्रमित बना देता है।
Living it today
When you feel stuck and heavy, a small action such as a walk, a wash or one finished task can break tamas's grip.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 14.8?
But know that tamas is born of ignorance and deludes all embodied beings. It binds them through carelessness, laziness and sleep, O Bharata. Tamas works by dulling the mind so that one neglects what needs to be done and drifts through life half awake.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 14.8?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 14 (Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 14.8 in daily life?
When you feel stuck and heavy, a small action such as a walk, a wash or one finished task can break tamas's grip.
Reflected on verse 14.8?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.