nādatte kasyachit pāpaṁ na chaiva sukṛitaṁ vibhuḥ
ajñānenāvṛitaṁ jñānaṁ tena muhyanti jantavaḥ
na — not;
ādatte — accepts;
kasyachit — anyone’s;
pāpam — sin;
na — not;
cha — and;
eva — certainly;
su-kṛitam — virtuous deeds;
vibhuḥ — the omnipresent God;
ajñānena — by ignorance;
āvṛitam — covered;
jñānam — knowledge;
tena — by that;
muhyanti — are deluded;
jantavaḥ — the living entities
In this verse from the Bhagavad Gita, the focus is on the nature of the Supreme Spirit and how it relates to our actions. Here’s a detailed and simplified understanding:
1. **Understanding 'Vibhu'**: The term 'vibhu' refers to the Supreme Lord, who is powerful and all-knowing. Think of the Supreme as a very wise and capable person who understands everything and is not affected by what others do, whether good or bad.
2. **Why Does This Matter?**: The verse tells us that this Supreme Being does not take on the actions of people – meaning if someone does something bad (a sin) or something good (a virtuous deed), that does not affect the Supreme. It’s like how a judge in a courtroom does not become a criminal just because they see others committing crimes.
3. **So, What Happens to Us?**: The verse points out that real confusion comes from ignorance. The average person often doesn’t fully understand their purpose or the consequences of their actions. With limited knowledge, we make choices that can lead us to suffering or joy, but we often don’t see the whole picture.
4. **Living Entities**: When it mentions 'living entities,' it means all of us – humans, animals, etc. We often feel lost and are misled by our misunderstanding of life and ourselves. We have innate knowledge, but it gets covered by our ignorance, much like a beautiful painting covered in dust.
5. **Desires and Choices**: Each individual has desires, things they want in life, thanks to their free will. When we are confused about what we really want, we think we need certain things to be happy. The Supreme allows us to pursue our desires, but does not take responsibility for the choices we make or their outcomes. For instance, if someone wants to eat unhealthy food, it’s their choice, and the Supreme does not step in to stop them.
6. **The Role of Ignorance**: Due to ignorance, people often mistake their true self. Instead of recognizing their soul’s eternal nature and its relation to the Supreme, they identify too much with their temporary physical body and the ups and downs of life. It’s like thinking you are just a vehicle rather than the driver within it.
7. **Being Lost and Found**: The Supreme being, also referred to as Paramatma or the Supersoul, stays with each one of us. This means that even when we are confused, there is guidance available. It’s like having a mentor who knows all about you and is there to help whenever you ask for guidance.
8. **The Importance of True Desire**: In this context, when someone wishes to connect with the Supreme (like wanting to understand and serve the Supreme), that’s when the Supreme pays special attention. It encourages us to have desires that lead to happiness and joy from a higher perspective. In contrast, pursuing material desires can lead to temporary happiness, which eventually fades.
9. **Taking Responsibility**: The verse teaches that many of our troubles stem from our own misunderstandings. We often forget our purpose and focus solely on immediate pleasures that don’t provide lasting satisfaction. It reminds us that while the Supreme is always there to support us, true fulfillment comes from seeking the higher purpose of life.
10. **Conclusion**: Ultimately, this verse encourages individuals to look beyond their temporary feelings and actions, to recognize their connection with the Supreme, and to strive for understanding and service. It invites reflection on how we can live in a way that aligns with our true nature, which is eternal, blissful, and knowledgeable.