Verse 14-8 – Bhagavad Gita

तमस्त्वज्ञानजं विद्धि मोहनं सर्वदेहिनाम् \| प्रमादालस्यनिद्राभिस्तन्निबध्नाति भारत \|\| 8 \|\|

“Know tamas to be the quality born of ignorance, which deludes all embodied beings. It binds them through laziness, sleep, and negligence, O Arjuna.”

Commentary Lord Krishna describes the nature of tamas (inertia) and its effect on individuals. Tamas is characterized by ignorance, delusion, laziness, and a lack of awareness. It obscures one’s true nature and hinders spiritual growth.

Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to understand that tamas is born out of ignorance, which leads to confusion and delusion. It clouds the intellect and prevents individuals from discerning right from wrong. Those under the influence of tamas tend to be lethargic, careless, and negligent in their actions.

Tamas binds individuals through various means such as laziness, procrastination, sleepiness, and a lack of enthusiasm. It keeps them trapped in a state of ignorance, preventing them from realizing their true potential and attaining spiritual growth.

By becoming aware of the influence of tamas, one can strive to overcome its negative effects. The verse serves as a reminder for individuals to cultivate self-awareness, vigilance, and discipline in their actions. By consciously striving to overcome laziness, negligence, and ignorance, one can transcend the influence of tamas and progress towards greater clarity, knowledge, and spiritual awakening.