ये चैव सात्त्विका भावा राजसास्तामसाश्च ये। मत्त एवेति तान्विद्धि नत्वहं तेषु ते मयि।।7.12।।
ye caiva sAttvika-bhAvAḥ rAjasaḥ tAmAsAś ca ye matta eva te anveti na tu aham teṣu te mayi
Translation
All those who are of the three modes—goodness, passion and ignorance—and who think that I am the cause of them, know that I am not in them, but they are in Me.
Word Meanings
ye — all which; ca — and; eva — certainly; sāttvikāḥ — in goodness; bhāvāḥ — states of being; rājasaḥ — in the mode of passion; tāmasāś — in the mode of ignorance; ca — also; ye — all which; matta — from Me; eva — certainly; iti — thus; tān — those; viddhi — try to know; na — not; tu — but; aham — I; teṣu — in them; te — they; mayi — in Me
Understanding the Verse
In this verse Krishna clarifies the relationship between His divine energy and the three material modes (sattva, rajas, tamas). The ‘bhavas’ or states of being that arise from material nature are not independent entities; they are manifestations of His power (śakti). When the verse says ‘ye caiv sāttvikā bhāvāḥ…’, it means that every being who is influenced by the mode of goodness, passion or ignorance is essentially a product of the Supreme’s subtle energy. This underscores the theological principle that nothing exists apart from the Divine; the material universe is a projected field of His will.
The second part, ‘matta eva te anveti’, emphasizes a subtle but profound point: those who are attached to the material realm often mistake the Divine’s energy for the Divine Himself. They see the material existence as the ultimate reality and regard the Supreme as the cause of their existence, while ignoring that the Supreme transcends all modes. Krishna therefore instructs Arjuna (and the seeker) to ‘viddhi’—to know correctly—that the Lord does not reside within those modes. He is beyond them. The phrase ‘na tu aham teṣu te mayi’ literally means ‘I am not in them; they are in Me.’ This reversal of perception reveals that the material modes are like waves in the ocean of the Divine; they appear distinct but are ultimately part of the same infinite reality.
Practically, this verse invites the practitioner to shift identification from the transient qualities of mind and body to the immutable consciousness of the Divine. By recognizing that the modes are merely expressions of God’s energy, one can begin to detach from their pull. The awareness that the Lord pervades all existence yet remains untouched by its dualities cultivates a sense of reverence and humility. It also provides a philosophical foundation for the practice of yoga and meditation: by seeing through the illusion of separateness, the seeker can align more fully with the divine presence that permeates everything.
From a devotional standpoint, the verse reinforces the concept of ‘Bhakti’—loving devotion. If the material world is His energy, then devotion to the Supreme is not a rejection of the world but an acceptance of its true nature. By surrendering the ego’s mistaken identification with the modes, one can experience the bliss of being in the Lord’s presence where all dualities dissolve. This insight paves the way for the subsequent verses where Krishna elaborates on His omnipresence and the path of unwavering devotion.
In summary, Chapter 7, Verse 12 teaches that the three modes of material existence are manifestations of the Divine’s energy, they appear within the world, but the Supreme Himself remains untouched by them. Recognizing this truth encourages spiritual seekers to transcend material attachments, foster devotion, and realize their inherent unity with the Divine.
