7-1

The Supreme Lord said: Now listen, O Partha, how you can know Me completely, without doubt, by fixing your mind on Me, practicing spiritual discipline, and taking refuge in Me.

Explanation: This verse teaches that the practice of spiritual discipline and focusing the mind on the Divine is the path to spiritual understanding. Reliance on God and spiritual discipline are essential for reaching the Divine and understanding the nature of truth. Trusting in God and surrendering to Him are essential for achieving true spiritual understanding. Krishna addresses Arjuna as Partha, his lineage name, to indicate Arjuna's duty as a warrior and spiritual seeker.

7-2

Now I shall unreservedly explain this knowledge to you, both about the visible and the invisible. Having known it, you will not need to know anything else.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna promises to give Arjuna complete knowledge and wisdom, which includes not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience and a deep understanding of spiritual reality.

7-3

Among thousands of men, hardly one strives for perfection, and among those who have achieved perfection, hardly one truly knows Me.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that very few people are spiritually conscious and strive for perfection, and even fewer reach a deep and true understanding of God. Only a few people seek the spiritual path with seriousness and discipline, and among those who do, only a few achieve true enlightenment and understanding of the Divine reality. True understanding of God is achieved extremely rarely. • Among thousands of men – Krishna indicates that the majority of people live without following a spiritual path, and only very few out of thousands truly strive in spiritual practice. • Only one strives for perfection – Only one in thousands of people strives to achieve spiritual perfection. This indicates how rare are people who are willing to seriously dedicate their lives to spiritual practice. • Among those who strive, only one truly knows Me – Krishna says that even among those who strive to achieve spiritual perfection, only a few truly understand the Divine reality. True understanding of God is very rare, and only those who reach complete spiritual experience are able to truly know Krishna. This verse emphasizes that the spiritual path is difficult and requires great dedication, and that only very few people reach true understanding of God. Even among those who strive seriously, only a few reach spiritual perfection and true unity with the Divine.

7-4

Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intelligence, and false ego—all these eight components together are My separated material energies.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that the material world consists of eight different manifestations or principles that form God's material energy. These eight parts form both the material and psychic components that influence human existence in the world. • Earth, water, fire, air, ether – These five elements are the foundations of the material world, which form the entire physical world and its objects. They are the elements of earth, water, fire, air, and ether (space), which are the basic materials from which the physical world is formed. • Mind, intelligence, and false ego – These three elements form the psychic sphere of man. The mind is what perceives sensations, intelligence is what makes decisions and analyzes, and the false ego is the feeling of existence that allows a person to think of themselves as a separate being distinct from God. • Eight distinct manifestations – These eight components form God's material nature or material energy, which acts as the basis of the entire created Universe. Krishna indicates that these parts are separated from Him as part of His energy. This verse teaches that the entire material world, both the physical elements and the psychic structure of man, are manifestations of God's material nature. Krishna reveals in this verse that He is the source of these material elements, and that human experience in the world is based on these eight manifestations.

7-5

Besides this lower energy, O mighty-armed Arjuna, there is My other, superior energy, consisting of the living entities who are struggling with material nature and sustaining the universe.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that in addition to the material nature, which consists of elements and physical energies, there is also a higher – spiritual nature. The higher nature is the life force that forms and sustains the existence of living beings and the Universe. This higher nature is spiritual and conscious, unlike the lower, material nature. Material nature is lower and operates thanks to the higher, life force or spiritual nature. • Lower nature – Material nature, consisting of physical elements, is lower compared to the spiritual. It is inseparable from Krishna, but it is subordinate to His higher nature. • Higher nature – The higher nature is the life force that is the existence and life consciousness of living beings. It is directly related to the spiritual world and the Divine. • Life force – This higher nature is the life energy that ensures the existence and spiritual expression of all living beings. It is Krishna's power that sustains the Universe and gives it life. • By which the universe is sustained – The universe is sustained and guided through this higher, spiritual power. Krishna explains that all life, both physical and spiritual, is guided and sustained through this power. This verse highlights that the life force and spiritual nature are higher than the material nature, and that Krishna is the source of both the material and spiritual Universe. Krishna addresses Arjuna as the mighty-armed one, indicating his ability to understand deeper spiritual truths and see beyond the material world.

7-6

Know that all beings arise from these two natures. I am the source of all the cosmic creations and also their annihilation.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that all beings and creations in the world arise from two natures: material nature and spiritual nature. Krishna is the source of these natural forces, and He is also the one who guides both the process of creation and destruction. He emphasizes his role as the beginning and end of all things. Krishna is the cause of both creation and destruction. • From these two natures arise all beings – The two natures – material and spiritual – are the sources of all living beings. From them arises everything that exists in the world, both on the material and spiritual level. • I am the source of all creations – Krishna indicates that He is the source of creation, the one from whom all beings and the world arise. He is the creative force that starts all existing forms and beings. • I am also the annihilation – Krishna also explains that He is the source of annihilation, the one who ends existing forms and everything returns to Him. Krishna is not only the creator but also the one who ends the cycle. This verse shows Krishna's comprehensive role as the source of all life and also its annihilation, explaining that everything in the world comes from Him and returns to Him. Creation and destruction are under His supervision.

7-7

O conquerer of wealth, there is nothing higher than Me. All that exists is strung on Me, as pearls are strung on a thread.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that He is the highest and that everything that exists is connected to Him. There is nothing higher than the Divine, and the Universe is woven in Krishna just as pearls are connected by a thread. Krishna emphasizes His comprehensive nature and connection to all creation. • Beyond Me there is nothing higher – Krishna indicates that He is the highest and there is no one beyond Him. The Divine is the most powerful and absolute, and all creation stems from Him. • All this Universe is strung on Me – All living beings, as well as the entire material world and spiritual reality, are strung on Krishna. He is the fundamental force that binds all that exists. • Like pearls on a thread – Krishna uses the symbol of pearls strung on a thread to show that just as pearls are arranged around a thread, the entire Universe is united and woven with Divine consciousness. Krishna addresses Arjuna as Dhananjaya, the conqueror of wealth, indicating his ability to understand spiritual riches and Divine truth.

7-8

O son of Kunti, I am the taste of water, I am the light of the moon and the sun, I am the sound in all Vedic mantras, I am the sound in ether, and ability in man.

Explanation: This verse teaches that God is present everywhere, from the taste of water to light and sounds. People can experience the Divine in their daily lives by recognizing that all things – even human strength – are a gift and expression of God.

7-9

I am the real fragrance of the earth, and I am the heat in fire. I am the life of all living beings, and I am the austerity of all ascetics.

Explanation: This verse teaches that God is present everywhere – from the fragrance of the earth to the warmth of fire and the life energy in all living beings. People can also feel the Divine presence in their spiritual endeavors and discipline, which helps them develop spiritually and achieve higher goals.

7-10

O Partha, know that I am the original seed of all living beings, the intelligence of the intelligent, and the might of all mighty men.

Explanation: This verse teaches that all human talents and abilities are expressions of Divine energy. These abilities should be used to serve God and the good of society. The beginning of life, wisdom, and strength – it all comes from the Divine source, and people must realize that their physical and mental talents are gifts from Krishna. Krishna addresses Arjuna as Partha, calling on him to realize that the Divine is the source of all life, and that his abilities and wisdom are related to Krishna's Divine power.

7-11

I am the strength of the strong who are free from lust and desire. I am sex life which is not contrary to religious principles, O lord of the Bharatas (Arjuna).

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna emphasizes that He is the source of strength in strong people, if that strength is pure, free from selfish desires, passions, and attachments. He also indicates that sex life, if it is in accordance with religious principles, is a Divine manifestation. • I am the strength in the strong – Krishna explains that He is the pure strength that is in strong people. The strength that comes from the Divine is unblemished and free from selfish desires. • Which is free from passion and attachment – The strength Krishna is talking about is pure and is not associated with passions or attachment to material things. It is selfless strength that is used in a morally correct way. • I am sex life which is not contrary to moral order – Krishna explains that sex life that is not contrary to righteousness and religious principles is Divine. Such sex life is in accordance with the spiritual path and leads to higher goals.

7-12

Know that all states of goodness, passion and ignorance come from Me, but I am not subject to them; all these are in Me.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that all the states of nature – both pure and harmonious, passionate and energetic, and dark and inert – originate from Him, but He Himself is not limited or subject to these states. He is the source of all states, but is beyond them. Although all qualities come from Krishna, He Himself is not limited by them and remains unchanged. • States of goodness, passion and ignorance – These are the three qualities of nature or characteristics that determine the nature of different people and aspects of life. Goodness represents purity, peace and harmony, passion – energy and passion, and ignorance – darkness, inertia and ignorance. • All states come from Me – Krishna indicates that all three states of nature come from Him, as He is the source of all natural qualities, but He is not subject to them. • I am not subject to them, they are in Me – Krishna explains that although these states come from Him, He Himself is not limited by these states. He is beyond these states, and they all exist within Him, but do not limit His being.

7-13

Deluded by the three qualities (goodness, passion and ignorance), the whole world does not know Me, who am beyond these qualities and inexhaustible.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna points out that the whole world and its inhabitants are deluded and preoccupied with the three qualities of nature or characteristics – goodness, passion and ignorance. These states limit people's understanding, and therefore they are unable to understand the Divine reality, which is beyond these characteristics and unchanging. Most people are so immersed in these qualities that they are unable to see Krishna's transcendental nature.

7-14

This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three qualities of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who are devoted to Me can easily get over it.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that the material world is created with three states of nature or characteristics (goodness, passion and ignorance), which form an illusion or delusion. This illusion is extremely powerful and difficult to overcome, but for those who fully trust and turn to God, it is possible to break free from this illusion and achieve spiritual understanding. • Divine delusion – Krishna describes the material world as a Divine delusion, which is associated with the states of nature (characteristics) – purity, passion and inertia. This illusion encompasses the whole world and affects people's lives and understanding. • Very difficult to overcome – The delusion or illusion that forms the material world is very powerful and difficult to overcome. People are often trapped in material states and unable to see beyond this illusion. • Those who turn to Me – Those who turn to the Divine and submit to Krishna with complete trust can overcome this illusion. Reliance on God is the path to liberation from material influence. • Overcome the delusion – Those who rely on God are able to overcome this delusion or illusion that limits their spiritual progress. Krishna indicates that liberation from illusion is only possible through Divine reliance.

7-15

Evildoers who are gross fools, the lowest among men, those whose knowledge has been stolen by illusion, and those who possess the atheistic nature of demons, do not surrender to Me.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that there is a certain group of people who are unable to turn to the Divine because they are controlled by illusion (delusion) and their spiritual knowledge is obscured. These people are gross fools, the lowest among men, those whose knowledge has been stolen by illusions, and those who possess the atheistic nature of demons. These people are of the lowest nature, they perform evil deeds, and their minds are demonic, which makes them unable to understand or turn to God.

7-16

O best of the Bharatas, four kinds of righteous people begin to serve Me with devotion – those overcome by suffering, those who desire wealth, the inquisitive, and those who seek knowledge of the Absolute.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that there are four righteous and virtuous people who worship the Divine, each doing so with different types of motivations and needs. These are the four types of righteous people who begin to serve Krishna with devotion. All these people are united by the search for God, but they do it for different reasons. • He who is in suffering – These people seek God's help when they get into trouble or suffering. They turn to Krishna with the hope of relief or salvation from their problems. • He who seeks knowledge – These people seek spiritual knowledge and truth. They worship God to gain wisdom and understanding of the true nature of life. • He who seeks prosperity – These people seek material prosperity or success. They pray to God for help in improving their living situation or achieving their material goals. • He who is wise – This person is already wise and aware of the Divine reality. He worships Krishna because he has understood the nature of God, and his worship is true and selfless.

7-17

Of these, the best is the one who has fully gained knowledge and is always engaged in pure, devoted service, for I am very dear to him, and he is very dear to Me.

Explanation: This verse teaches that, although people seek God for various reasons, the wise person who has fully understood the Divine and has dedicated himself to serving God is at the highest spiritual level. Such a person is especially close to God, and his devotion and love lead him to true spiritual consciousness and Divine unity. • The wise man – In this context, the wise man is the one who has attained deep understanding and knowledge of God. He is aware of the Divine reality and has fully devoted himself to this understanding. • Always united – This person is constantly united with God, which means that he always remembers and worships God, maintaining a continuous connection with Him. He is spiritually connected to the Divine. • Devoted to Me alone – The wise man is fully devoted to Krishna. His love and devotion are focused only on God, and he desires nothing other than to serve God. • Especially distinguished – Among all the people who seek the Divine, the wise man is distinguished because he has reached the highest level of devotion and knowledge. • Very dear – Krishna indicates that this wise man is very dear to Him because he is truly devoted and has attained God's love. And Krishna is also very dear to the wise man – they are connected by mutual love and devotion.

7-18

All these practitioners of spiritual discipline are undoubtedly noble souls, but the one who is established in knowledge of Me is very dear to Me. He is in Me, and I am in him, because he has devoted himself to Me as his supreme goal.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna indicates that, although all who worship God are noble and worthy, the wise man is particularly outstanding. The wise man is compared to God Himself because he has achieved deep unity with the Divine and is fully established in Krishna. He has reached the highest spiritual goal. • All are noble – Krishna affirms that all who worship the Divine are valuable and noble, regardless of their motives. Everyone who turns to God is on the spiritual path. • The wise man is like My own self – Krishna especially highlights the wise man, comparing him to the very Divine essence. The wise man has achieved unity with Krishna, so he is like an expression of God Himself. • Unified mind – The wise man is unified with the Divine, he is fully devoted to God and maintains a continuous connection with Krishna. His mind and heart are united with the Divine. • Reached the highest goal – Krishna indicates that the wise man has reached the highest spiritual goal – complete unity with God, which is the main result of the spiritual path.

7-19

After many births and deaths, the one who has truly gained knowledge surrenders to Me, knowing that I am the cause of all and that I am all. Such a great soul is very rare.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that spiritual understanding and complete God-consciousness come only after many cycles of birth, when a person has developed their knowledge and understanding of the Divine. Only after a long life experience does the wise man understand that the Divine is all. Such a great soul who realizes that Krishna is the cause of all is very rare. Such a great soul is very rare. • At the end of many lives – Wisdom that leads to God-consciousness is gained after many cycles of birth and a long period of spiritual development. • He who has knowledge – The wise man who has developed knowledge and understanding of God reaches complete enlightenment and turns to God. • Surrenders to Me – After many lives, the person who has understood the nature of God surrenders to Krishna, recognizing Him as the supreme reality. • The Divine is all – This person understands that the Divine is all that exists. The entire Universe and all of existence are an expression of Divine consciousness, and God is present in all things. • A great man, extremely rare – A person who reaches this understanding is great and very rare. Only a few are able to reach such a high spiritual understanding that allows them to see God in everything.

7-20

Those whose minds have been carried away by material desires surrender to different gods and observe certain rules and rituals according to their nature.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that there are people whose spiritual knowledge is obscured by material desires and lusts, and therefore they seek other Deities and worship them, hoping to fulfill their desires. These people follow various rituals and rules according to their nature, because their minds have been carried away by material desires. Such people follow various rituals and rules, guided by their personal nature and desires.

7-21

I, as the Supreme Soul, dwell in the heart of everyone. As soon as someone desires to worship one of the gods, I make his faith strong so that he can devote himself to that particular deity.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that, although different people choose to worship different Deities or forms, He is the one who gives them unwavering faith in these chosen forms. The Divine strengthens a person's faith and worship process, even if it is directed towards another Deity or form.

7-22

Satisfied by such faith, he endeavors to worship a particular demigod and obtains his desires. But in actuality these benefits are bestowed by Me alone.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that people who worship other deities with steadfast faith eventually attain their desires or results, but these desires and gifts are actually granted by God (Krishna). Krishna clarifies that although people may worship various deities, all desires are fulfilled due to the Divine power.

7-23

Men of small intelligence worship the demigods, and their fruits are limited and temporary. Those who worship the demigods go to the planets of the demigods, but My devotees ultimately reach My supreme abode.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that those who worship other deities with material desires obtain temporary fruits. The spiritual understanding of these people is limited because they seek only temporary benefits. Those who worship the demigods go to the planets of the demigods, but the devotees of Krishna reach His supreme abode. In contrast, those who worship Krishna with true devotion come to Him and attain eternal liberation. • Temporary fruits – The fruits or results that people obtain by worshiping other deities are temporary. They are related to the material world and therefore end with the transient things of this world. • Those whose minds are limited – People who seek only material benefits are limited in their spiritual understanding. They do not understand that the true goal is eternal liberation and unity with God, not just material desires. • Those who worship the demigods go to the demigods – Those who worship other deities reach only the level of the demigods, which is limited to the material worlds. • My devotees come to Me – Those who worship Krishna with true devotion attain eternal union with Him and obtain eternal liberation. This is the highest spiritual goal. This verse emphasizes that material desires yield only temporary results, which are limited to this world, while the worship of God with true devotion leads to eternal liberation and unity with the Divine.

7-24

Unintelligent men, who do not know Me perfectly, think that I, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, was formerly formless and have now assumed this particular form. Due to their little knowledge, they do not know My transcendental nature, which is imperishable and supreme.

Explanation: This verse teaches that the true essence of God is unchanging and beyond material forms. People who lack spiritual understanding limit God to a visible form, but to achieve true spiritual understanding, one must understand that God is eternal and beyond all visible phenomena of the world.

7-25

I am never manifest to the foolish and unintelligent. For them I am covered by My internal potency, and therefore they do not know that I am unborn and infallible.

Explanation: This verse teaches that Divine truth is not visible or understandable to all people because their minds are clouded by material illusion. To understand God, it is necessary to transcend material perception and understand the Divine nature, which is eternal and infinite.

7-26

O Arjuna, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, I know everything that has happened in the past, everything that is happening in the present, and all things that are yet to come. I also know all living entities, but Me no one knows. One can know Me completely only through pure devotional service.

Explanation: This verse teaches that God's knowledge is infinite and encompasses all beings at all times, but human understanding is limited. Although we can seek the Divine, our ability to understand God's eternal nature is limited by our own perceptions and experiences. This indicates the need to accept God's supreme nature and rely on Him.

7-27

O scion of Bharata, O conqueror of the foe, all living entities are born into delusion, bewildered by the duality of desire and hate.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that all living beings, when they enter the world, are deceived and obscured by illusion, which arises from the contradictions of desires and hatred. This duality makes people lost and unable to see true reality. Desires and hatred are the main factors that create illusion and distract people from spiritual understanding. These dualities are associated with the material world and egoism.

7-28

Persons who have acted piously in this life and in previous lives and whose sinful actions are completely eradicated are freed from the dualities of delusion, and they engage themselves in My service with determination.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna indicates that those people whose sins have been eradicated and who live a virtuous life are freed from the illusion that arises from duality (desires and hatred). Such people are able to turn to the Divine with firm determination and faith.

7-29

Intelligent persons who are endeavoring for liberation from old age and death take refuge in Me in devotional service. They are actually in full knowledge of Brahman because they know each and every transcendental activity. They are actually in full knowledge of Brahman because they know each and every transcendental activity.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that those who wish to be liberated from the cycle of old age and death turn to God. Such people attain complete understanding of Divine consciousness (Divine essence), the soul, and the perfection of action or the influence of actions.

7-30

Those in full consciousness of Me, who know Me to be the governing principle of the material manifestation, who know Me to be the demigods, and who know Me to be the master of all methods of sacrifice, can understand and know Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, even at the time of death. This understanding allows a person to remember Krishna and thus attain the spiritual world.

Explanation: This verse teaches that people who deeply understand the Divine nature and are able to maintain a focused mind, even at the moment of death, can realize God and achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Spiritual practice based on the realization of God in all aspects of existence leads to eternal enlightenment and liberation. This understanding helps to maintain peace and spiritual focus even at the moment of death, which is the most important moment in a person's life.