ichchhā-dveṣha-samutthena dvandva-mohena bhārata
sarva-bhūtāni sammohaṁ sarge yānti parantapa
ichchhā — desire;
dveṣha — aversion;
samutthena — arise from;
dvandva — of duality;
mohena — from the illusion;
bhārata — Arjun, descendant of Bharat;
sarva — all;
bhūtāni — living beings;
sammoham — into delusion;
sarge — since birth;
yānti — enter;
parantapa — Arjun, conqueror of enemies
This verse tells Arjuna that every living being is born into a state of confusion. This confusion comes from two main feelings: desire and hate. Let's break this down a bit more.
1. **Born into Delusion**: It means that from the moment we are born, we are not completely aware of our true nature or purpose. Instead, we become wrapped up in various feelings that can cloud our understanding of what is real and important.
2. **Dualities of Desire and Hate**: Here, 'dualities' refer to the opposing pairs of feelings we often experience. For example, we might desire things like success, love, or respect, but at the same time, we might feel hatred or aversion towards things we dislike, like failure or betrayal. This creates a constant tug-of-war in our minds, making it hard to find peace or clarity.
3. **Control of Illusory Energy**: When we become mixed up in these desires and hatreds, we are controlled by what the verse calls 'illusions.' This means that we might think things are important when they really aren’t, or we might have the wrong ideas about what will make us happy.
4. **The Bigger Picture - The Supreme Lord**: The verse points out that our true nature is to understand and connect with a higher power, often referred to as the Supreme Lord, who represents pure knowledge and truth. When we get lost in our desires or jealousies, we lose sight of this connection.
5. **Mistaken Beliefs**: The verse explains that those who are confused tend to think of the Supreme Lord in a limited way. Instead of seeing Him as a source of wisdom, they may feel envy toward Him or view Him as just another being influenced by the material world. This shows a misunderstanding of who the Supreme Lord really is.
6. **Examples of Delusions**: Many people fall into the trap of thinking that their own possessions or relationships define them. For instance, saying "This is my wife; this is my house; I am the master here" can show how we become attached to our roles and possessions. However, these attachments are based on false beliefs that distract us from understanding our true selves and the greater truth.
7. **Foolishness of attachment**: Those who get trapped in these dualities and attachments are seen as foolish because they cannot comprehend the greater reality or the Supreme Lord's true nature. Instead of seeking real fulfillment and truth, they chase after fleeting feelings—what they want and what they dislike—which leads to ongoing confusion and suffering.
In summary, this verse helps us realize that we often live in a state of misunderstanding due to our desires and aversions. It encourages us to seek a deeper connection with the Supreme Lord, free from these illusions, to truly understand our purpose and find lasting happiness.