tribhir guṇa-mayair bhāvair ebhiḥ sarvam idaṁ jagat
mohitaṁ nābhijānāti māmebhyaḥ param avyayam
tribhiḥ — by three;
guṇa-mayaiḥ — consisting of the modes of material nature;
bhāvaiḥ — states;
ebhiḥ — all these;
sarvam — whole;
idam — this;
jagat — universe;
mohitam — deluded;
na — not;
abhijānāti — know;
mām — me;
ebhyaḥ — these;
param — the supreme;
avyayam — imperishable
In this verse, the speaker, Lord Krishna, is explaining how people in the world are influenced by three main qualities or modes of nature: goodness, passion, and ignorance. These modes shape our thoughts, behaviors, and decisions in life.
1. **Goodness** represents qualities like harmony, peace, and knowledge. When we are influenced by goodness, we act kindly and make thoughtful choices.
2. **Passion** is associated with desire, ambition, and activity. This mode drives us to pursue our goals, but it can also lead to restlessness and dissatisfaction. When we're in the mode of passion, we often seek pleasure or success at any cost.
3. **Ignorance** is the state of being confused, careless, or unaware. It can cause us to act without thinking or to make choices that are harmful to ourselves and others.
When Krishna says that the whole world is 'deluded' by these three modes, he means that most people are so caught up in them that they lose sight of a bigger reality. They get wrapped up in their desires and daily struggles, and in doing so, they forget about a higher truth: the existence of the Supreme Being, which in this case is Krishna himself.
This misunderstanding leads to a disconnect. People might worship various forms or ideas of God, but they miss the deeper realization of Krishna being beyond these modes, which means He is not limited or affected by them. Unlike us, who are often swayed by our emotions and desires, Krishna is stable and constant.
For example, someone seeking happiness through material possessions (driven by passion) might think that acquiring more will fulfill them, but Krishna points out that true understanding goes beyond these surface desires. He encourages recognition that this desire-driven pursuit is temporary and doesn't lead to everlasting peace.
In summary, this verse reminds us that to really understand the divine and the essence of life, we need to look beyond our immediate experiences and emotions, which are tied to these three modes. Krishna represents a constant and unchangeable truth that can bring clarity if we seek to understand it.