Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 7 · Jnana Vijnana Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 7.11 बलं बलवतां चाहं कामरागविवर्जितम्
श्लोक 7.11
बलं बलवतां चाहं कामरागविवर्जितम् ।
धर्माविरुद्धो भूतेषु कामोऽस्मि भरतर्षभ ॥
balaṃ balavatāṃ cāhaṃ kāmarāgavivarjitam |
dharmāviruddho bhūteṣu kāmo'smi bharatarṣabha ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
मैं बलवानों का वह बल हूँ जो कामना और आसक्ति से रहित है। हे भरतश्रेष्ठ, सभी प्राणियों में मैं वह काम हूँ जो धर्म के विरुद्ध नहीं है।
Meaning in English
I am the strength of the strong, free from craving and attachment. O best of the Bharatas, in all beings I am desire that does not go against dharma.
Bhagavad Gita 7.11 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| बलम् | balam | strength |
| बलवताम् | balavatām | of the strong |
| च अहम् | ca aham | and I |
| कामरागविवर्जितम् | kāma-rāga-vivarjitam | free from desire and passion |
| धर्माविरुद्धः | dharmāviruddhaḥ | not opposed to dharma |
| भूतेषु | bhūteṣu | in beings |
| कामः | kāmaḥ | desire |
| अस्मि | asmi | I am |
| भरतर्षभ | bharatarṣabha | O best of the Bharatas |
Explanation
Of the strong, I am the strength that is free from desire and passion. In beings, I am the desire that is not opposed to dharma, O best of the Bharatas. Not all strength or desire is condemned; what accords with righteousness is itself divine.
This verse is significant because it does not reject desire outright. Shankara explains that kāma is longing for things not yet possessed and rāga is attachment to things already had; strength free from these serves only to sustain life and duty. Shankara gives as an example of desire consistent with dharma the wish for food and drink needed to sustain the body. Ramanuja reads it similarly. Many modern teachers cite the verse to show the Gita's balanced, life-affirming view.
भावार्थ
हे भरतश्रेष्ठ, मैं बलवानों का कामना और आसक्ति से रहित बल हूँ, और सब प्राणियों में धर्म के अनुकूल काम हूँ। धर्म के अनुकूल इच्छा और निःस्वार्थ बल दोनों दिव्य हैं।
Living it today
You need not suppress every wish; ask whether a desire fits with what is right, and let the healthy ones energise your life.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 7.11?
Of the strong, I am the strength that is free from desire and passion. In beings, I am the desire that is not opposed to dharma, O best of the Bharatas. Not all strength or desire is condemned; what accords with righteousness is itself divine.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 7.11?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 7 (Jnana Vijnana Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 7.11 in daily life?
You need not suppress every wish; ask whether a desire fits with what is right, and let the healthy ones energise your life.
Reflected on verse 7.11?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.