Bhagavad Gita 7.25
Jnana Vijnana Yoga · English Translation
नाहं प्रकाशः सर्वस्य योगमायासमावृतः | मूढोऽयं नाभिजानाति लोको मामजमव्ययम् ||७-२५||
nāhaṃ prakāśaḥ sarvasya yogamāyāsamāvṛtaḥ . mūḍho.ayaṃ nābhijānāti loko māmajamavyayam ||7-25||
What Does This Verse Mean?
In this verse, Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna that his divine nature is hidden from most people by a powerful force called Yoga-Maya. Because of this veiling effect, the world sees only the external form and remains confused or 'deluded' about the true reality. Krishna emphasizes that he himself is eternal and unborn, yet these qualities are not recognized by those who have not pierced through this illusion.
The Teaching Behind It
This verse is a cornerstone of Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge) and Vedanta philosophy, specifically addressing the concept of Avidya or spiritual ignorance. It develops the distinction between the visible material world and the hidden divine reality that underlies all existence but remains inaccessible to those clouded by Maya.
Word by Word
Classical Commentary
Where This Happens
This teaching occurs during the intense conversation on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where Prince Arjuna has collapsed in despair after seeing his own relatives ready for war. Krishna is transitioning from explaining the nature of material energy (Maya) to revealing that even he remains hidden by this same force when not sought with devotion. The listener, Arjuna, feels overwhelmed and confused about how a supreme being can be obscured, prompting this clarification on the limits of ordinary perception versus spiritual wisdom.
Living It Out Today
Consider a professional who is facing a sudden career failure despite years of hard work; they may feel that their efforts are invisible or that justice has failed them. This verse teaches that just as Krishna's form was veiled by Maya, our current circumstances often hide the long-term growth and purpose we cannot yet see. Instead of giving up in frustration, one should trust that an unchanging reality exists beyond the temporary veil of confusion and focus on inner clarity rather than external validation.
Explained for Children
Imagine you are wearing a thick foggy scarf over your eyes; everything looks blurry and different than it really is. In the same way, many people feel confused about life because they cannot see the true, unchanging light inside them or in God. Krishna is telling Arjuna that even though he is always there as a bright, eternal sun, sometimes we just can't see him clearly until we learn to look past the fog.
Daily Reflection
You often feel that God remains distant or hidden in times of trouble, yet this verse invites you to see differently—that separation exists only because your vision has been clouded. When you stop blaming yourself for not 'finding' Him immediately, you begin to realize that the veil is on your own perception, not His presence. The world's delusion makes us forget our true nature as unborn and imperishable souls connected to the eternal.
A Practice for Today
Close your eyes and acknowledge that any current sense of distance from the Divine is not a failure on your part, but a result of the veiling power you are learning to see through. Gently remind yourself: 'The light I seek is already within me; my confusion is just the shadow cast by looking away.'
Key Teachings
- The Veil of Maya
God remains hidden from all who are bound by attachment, not because He wishes it, but due to His own divine energy called Yoga-Maya. This veil acts as a filter that obscures the true nature of reality for those trapped in material illusion. - The Nature of Delusion
The 'deluded world' refers to consciousness stuck in the cycle of birth and death, unable to recognize its own divine source. This state of ignorance is not a permanent condemnation but a condition that can be lifted through spiritual wisdom. - The Unborn Self
Despite being hidden from view, the Divine remains unborn (ajam) and imperishable (avyayam), existing beyond time and change. Recognizing this unchanging truth within oneself is the first step in piercing through the veil of illusion.
Themes
Related Verses
Read This Next
- 2.47 — Read this next to understand how right action and detachment help pierce through delusion.
- 3.30 — This verse complements the theme by showing how surrendering all actions removes the veil of ego.
- 12.15 — Read this to see the qualities of a devotee who has successfully transcended delusion and sees God everywhere.
Recommended Reading
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