॥ ॐ श्री परमात्मने नमः ॥
अथ सप्तमोऽध्यायः । ज्ञानविज्ञानयोगः
श्रीभगवानुवाच ।
मय्यासक्तमनाः पार्थ योगं युञ्जन्मदाश्रयः ।
असंशयं समग्रं मां यथा ज्ञास्यसि तच्छृणु ॥ ७-१॥
ज्ञानं तेऽहं सविज्ञानमिदं वक्ष्याम्यशेषतः ।
यज्ज्ञात्वा नेह भूयोऽन्यज्ज्ञातव्यमवशिष्यते ॥ ७-२॥
मनुष्याणां सहस्रेषु कश्चिद्यतति सिद्धये ।
यततामपि सिद्धानां कश्चिन्मां वेत्ति तत्त्वतः ॥ ७-३॥
भूमिरापोऽनलो वायुः खं मनो बुद्धिरेव च ।
अहङ्कार इतीयं मे भिन्ना प्रकृतिरष्टधा ॥ ७-४॥
अपरेयमितस्त्वन्यां प्रकृतिं विद्धि मे पराम् ।
जीवभूतां महाबाहो ययेदं धार्यते जगत् ॥ ७-५॥
एतद्योनीनि भूतानि सर्वाणीत्युपधारय ।
अहं कृत्स्नस्य जगतः प्रभवः प्रलयस्तथा ॥ ७-६॥
मत्तः परतरं नान्यत्किञ्चिदस्ति धनञ्जय ।
मयि सर्वमिदं प्रोतं सूत्रे मणिगणा इव ॥ ७-७॥
रसोऽहमप्सु कौन्तेय प्रभास्मि शशिसूर्ययोः ।
प्रणवः सर्ववेदेषु शब्दः खे पौरुषं नृषु ॥ ७-८॥
पुण्यो गन्धः पृथिव्यां च तेजश्चास्मि विभावसौ ।
जीवनं सर्वभूतेषु तपश्चास्मि तपस्विषु ॥ ७-९॥
बीजं मां सर्वभूतानां विद्धि पार्थ सनातनम् ।
बुद्धिर्बुद्धिमतामस्मि तेजस्तेजस्विनामहम् ॥ ७-१०॥
बलं बलवतां चाहं कामरागविवर्जितम् ।
धर्माविरुद्धो भूतेषु कामोऽस्मि भरतर्षभ ॥ ७-११॥
ये चैव सात्त्विका भावा राजसास्तामसाश्च ये ।
मत्त एवेति तान्विद्धि न त्वहं तेषु ते मयि ॥ ७-१२॥
त्रिभिर्गुणमयैर्भावैरेभिः सर्वमिदं जगत् ।
मोहितं नाभिजानाति मामेभ्यः परमव्ययम् ॥ ७-१३॥
दैवी ह्येषा गुणमयी मम माया दुरत्यया ।
मामेव ये प्रपद्यन्ते मायामेतां तरन्ति ते ॥ ७-१४॥
न मां दुष्कृतिनो मूढाः प्रपद्यन्ते नराधमाः ।
माययापहृतज्ञाना आसुरं भावमाश्रिताः ॥ ७-१५॥
चतुर्विधा भजन्ते मां जनाः सुकृतिनोऽर्जुन ।
आर्तो जिज्ञासुरर्थार्थी ज्ञानी च भरतर्षभ ॥ ७-१६॥
तेषां ज्ञानी नित्ययुक्त एकभक्तिर्विशिष्यते ।
प्रियो हि ज्ञानिनोऽत्यर्थमहं स च मम प्रियः ॥ ७-१७॥
उदाराः सर्व एवैते ज्ञानी त्वात्मैव मे मतम् ।
आस्थितः स हि युक्तात्मा मामेवानुत्तमां गतिम् ॥ ७-१८॥
बहूनां जन्मनामन्ते ज्ञानवान्मां प्रपद्यते ।
वासुदेवः सर्वमिति स महात्मा सुदुर्लभः ॥ ७-१९॥
कामैस्तैस्तैर्हृतज्ञानाः प्रपद्यन्तेऽन्यदेवताः ।
तं तं नियममास्थाय प्रकृत्या नियताः स्वया ॥ ७-२०॥
यो यो यां यां तनुं भक्तः श्रद्धयार्चितुमिच्छति ।
तस्य तस्याचलां श्रद्धां तामेव विदधाम्यहम् ॥ ७-२१॥
स तया श्रद्धया युक्तस्तस्याराधनमीहते ।
लभते च ततः कामान्मयैव विहितान्हि तान् ॥ ७-२२॥
अन्तवत्तु फलं तेषां तद्भवत्यल्पमेधसाम् ।
देवान्देवयजो यान्ति मद्भक्ता यान्ति मामपि ॥ ७-२३॥
अव्यक्तं व्यक्तिमापन्नं मन्यन्ते मामबुद्धयः ।
परं भावमजानन्तो ममाव्ययमनुत्तमम् ॥ ७-२४॥
नाहं प्रकाशः सर्वस्य योगमायासमावृतः ।
मूढोऽयं नाभिजानाति लोको मामजमव्ययम् ॥ ७-२५॥
वेदाहं समतीतानि वर्तमानानि चार्जुन ।
भविष्याणि च भूतानि मां तु वेद न कश्चन ॥ ७-२६॥
इच्छाद्वेषसमुत्थेन द्वन्द्वमोहेन भारत ।
सर्वभूतानि सम्मोहं सर्गे यान्ति परन्तप ॥ ७-२७॥
येषां त्वन्तगतं पापं जनानां पुण्यकर्मणाम् ।
ते द्वन्द्वमोहनिर्मुक्ता भजन्ते मां दृढव्रताः ॥ ७-२८॥
जरामरणमोक्षाय मामाश्रित्य यतन्ति ये ।
ते ब्रह्म तद्विदुः कृत्स्नमध्यात्मं कर्म चाखिलम् ॥ ७-२९॥
साधिभूताधिदैवं मां साधियज्ञं च ये विदुः ।
प्रयाणकालेऽपि च मां ते विदुर्युक्तचेतसः ॥ ७-३०॥
ॐ तत्सदिति श्रीमद्भगवद्गीतासूपनिषत्सु
ब्रह्मविद्यायां योगशास्त्रे श्रीकृष्णार्जुनसंवादे
ज्ञानविज्ञानयोगो नाम सप्तमोऽध्यायः ॥ ७॥
Introduction to Chapter 7
Overview of Jñāna-Vijñāna Yoga
Chapter 7 is titled ‘Jnana-Vijnana Yoga’ – the Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom. Here Krishna explains how knowledge (jnana) about the divine, and realization (vijnana) of that divine knowledge through devotion, lead the seeker closer to God.
Importance of Knowing vs Experiencing God
Krishna emphasizes that merely knowing about God (intellectually) is not enough; one must experience God within, through devotion and surrender, to truly understand Him.
Rarity of True Devotees
Of thousands who strive for spiritual perfection, only a few pursue it; and among those few, still fewer truly know Krishna in His full reality.
Relation between Maya and Divine Energy
Krishna explains that His lower (material) energies and His superior, spiritual energies both emanate from Him, and that Maya (illusion) masks His true nature for most.
Path to Overcome Illusion
Surrender, devotion, and knowledge are the means by which one can transcend Maya. Those who surrender to Krishna are able to cross over illusion by His grace.
What is Jnana-Vijnana Yoga?
Chapter 7 of the Bhagavad Gita is titled “Jnana Vijnana Yoga” – the Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom – where Krishna reveals both intellectual knowledge and experiential wisdom.
Why Knowledge Alone is Not Enough
Krishna explains that knowing facts or teachings isn’t sufficient real spiritual growth comes when we experience the divine within ourselves.
Revelation of Divine Energies
This chapter describes how Krishna’s material and spiritual energies manifest in creation and how all beings rest within Him.
Understanding Prakriti and Maya
Krishna teaches about “maya”—the divine illusion—and how it obscures true reality binding souls to the material world.
Goal of the Chapter
The aim is to help seekers move from intellectual understanding toward surrender devotion and realization of the Supreme.
The Nature of Divine & Material Energies
Definition of Material Energies
Krishna lists the eight constituents of His material energy: earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intellect, and ego. These constitute the lower nature.
Superior Energy Explained
Beyond material energies Krishna reveals His superior energy – the jiva-shakti (the living beings), which also originate and dissolve into Him.
Eternal Manifestations of Krishna
Krishna says ‘I am the taste in water, the radiance of moon and sun, Om in Vedic mantras, the fragrance in earth…’ showing His presence in all creation.
Maya’s Veil and Hidden Nature
His divine Yogamaya veils Krishna’s imperishable form. Because of Maya, many do not perceive Him as eternal and unchanging.
God Beyond the Three Gunas
Krishna is beyond the modes (gunas) of nature – goodness, passion, ignorance – although all these emanate from Him. He remains transcendent.
Types of Devotees
Four Devotees Defined
Krishna describes four kinds of people who devote Him: those in distress, seekers of knowledge, seekers of wealth, and the wise. Each comes with different motives.
Who are the Wise Devotees
The wise devotees are those whose minds are firmly devoted, whose intellect is fixed in Krishna, who devote without expectation, and are dearest to Him.
Devotees Motivated by Desires
Some devotees worship God because of distress, or with desires for material gain — even though these are lower motives, they can lead eventually toward deeper devotion.
Devotees in Search of Knowledge
Those who seek knowledge and wisdom are placed between lower devotion and highest devotion they move from intellectual engagement toward inner realization.
Devotion in Practice
Krishna calls for devotion with pure mind, selfless heart, recognizing Him as the supreme goal beyond material attachments.
Knowledge Revealed and Wisdom Bestowed
What is Full Knowledge
Krishna promises to reveal complete knowledge and wisdom through devotion, by which nothing else remains unknown once one realizes Him.
Overcoming Doubt
This teaching also addresses doubt — attaching to God with mind and intellect dispels confusion.
Knowledge vs Realization
Jñāna is knowledge Vijnāna is realization. True spiritual growth comes when one moves beyond theoretical knowledge into living realization of the divine.
Vision of the Supreme
Krishna reveals that all beings emerge from Him and return into Him; He is the seed, the intelligence, the light in all beings. Realizing this is supreme wisdom.
Effect of Grace on the Devotee
Krishna says that those who surrender to Him are able, by His grace, to cross over Maya and attain knowledge and peace.
Conclusion & Application
Summary of Key Teachings
Chapter 7 teaches that the Supreme Lord is both the material and spiritual source of all energies knowledge + realization + surrender are needed to overcome illusion and know Him.
Relevance in Daily Life
In daily life, recognizing God’s presence in simple experiences (nature, senses), practicing sincerity, letting go of attachment, and turning to sincere devotion helps integrate these teachings.
Steps for Seekers
Seek knowledge, reflect, cultivate devotion, surrender to God, practice witnessing self and detach from material outcomes. These steps help one progress on the path.
Blessings from Realization
Those who attain vijnana are freed from fear of death, attains peace, and abide in the joy of knowing self and Supreme.
Core Themes
Four Types of Devotees
Krishna classifies devotees into four kinds: those in distress those desiring material gain sincere seekers of knowledge and the wise who love God for His own sake.
The Nature of God vs Creation
God is both the source of all that is manifest and unmanifest everything arises abides and dissolves in Him yet He remains distinct.
Divine Illusion and Free Will
Although maya veils our true vision Krishna says that those who surrender and act with devotion can transcend illusion by His grace.
Knowing vs Realizing
Distinction is drawn between knowing through study and scriptures versus internalizing and realizing the Divine through devotion and personal experience.
Devotion as the Highest Path
Among all devotees Krishna states that the wise devotee who loves Him without ulterior motives is most dear to Him.
Practical Applications
Seeking True Wisdom
One should study sacred texts reflect deeply and apply inner discernment to distinguish eternal truth from transient illusion.
Surrender and Faith
Practising surrender to the Divine and cultivating unobstructed faith opens the door to crossing beyond maya.
Living with Equanimity
Seeing good or bad joy or sorrow with equal mind helps maintain peace despite life’s ups and downs.
Devoting Time to Inner Practice
Daily practices like meditation chanting self-inquiry and devotional service help solidify knowledge into realization.
Seeing Divinity in Everyone
Recognizing that the same divine essence exists in all beings reduces ego jealousy and discrimination.
Challenges & Misconceptions
Misunderstanding Maya
Many believe Maya is evil and must be destroyed but the teaching is that Maya is God’s energy it must be transcended not merely negated.
Over-valuing Intellectual Knowledge
Thinking that knowing many verses or scriptures is the goal when inner transformation and devotion are equally or more important.
Desire for Immediate Results
Expecting sudden spiritual experiences leads to discouragement steady dedication and patience are essential.
Comparing Devotional Paths
Some compare their spiritual path with others and feel inferior each person’s journey is unique and guided by inner sincerity.
Reliance on External Rituals Only
Thinking ritual or outward worship is enough while ignoring purification of heart intention and surrender.
Deep Insights
God as Unseen and Seen
Krishna reveals that He is both visible and invisible—that He pervades all but also transcends all boundaries of the material realm.
Devotee’s Position of Surrender
When the mind surrenders completely free of selfish motives the devotee enters a state where knowledge becomes direct and vision unobstructed.
Power of Divine Grace
Grace is described as the means by which the unworthy may cross Maya when they surrender it is both subtle and powerful.
Self-Knowledge Beyond Form
Understanding that the essence of Self is beyond form name and shape what is eternal lies beyond senses and mind.
Transformation Through Devotion
Devotion gradually transforms intellect purifies desires and leads to inner peace and ecstasy even amid outer change.
Chapter 7 is titled ‘Jnana-Vijnana Yoga’ – the Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom. Here Krishna explains how knowledge (jnana) about the divine, and realization (vijnana) of that divine knowledge through devotion, lead the seeker closer to God.
Krishna emphasizes that merely knowing about God (intellectually) is not enough; one must experience God within, through devotion and surrender, to truly understand Him.
Of thousands who strive for spiritual perfection, only a few pursue it; and among those few, still fewer truly know Krishna in His full reality.
Krishna explains that His lower (material) energies and His superior, spiritual energies both emanate from Him, and that Maya (illusion) masks His true nature for most.
Surrender, devotion, and knowledge are the means by which one can transcend Maya. Those who surrender to Krishna are able to cross over illusion by His grace.
Chapter 7 of the Bhagavad Gita is titled “Jnana Vijnana Yoga” – the Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom – where Krishna reveals both intellectual knowledge and experiential wisdom.
Krishna explains that knowing facts or teachings isn’t sufficient real spiritual growth comes when we experience the divine within ourselves.
This chapter describes how Krishna’s material and spiritual energies manifest in creation and how all beings rest within Him.
Krishna teaches about “maya”—the divine illusion—and how it obscures true reality binding souls to the material world.
The aim is to help seekers move from intellectual understanding toward surrender devotion and realization of the Supreme.
Krishna lists the eight constituents of His material energy: earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intellect, and ego. These constitute the lower nature.
Beyond material energies Krishna reveals His superior energy – the jiva-shakti (the living beings), which also originate and dissolve into Him.
Krishna says ‘I am the taste in water, the radiance of moon and sun, Om in Vedic mantras, the fragrance in earth…’ showing His presence in all creation.
His divine Yogamaya veils Krishna’s imperishable form. Because of Maya, many do not perceive Him as eternal and unchanging.
Krishna is beyond the modes (gunas) of nature – goodness, passion, ignorance – although all these emanate from Him. He remains transcendent.
Krishna describes four kinds of people who devote Him: those in distress, seekers of knowledge, seekers of wealth, and the wise. Each comes with different motives.
The wise devotees are those whose minds are firmly devoted, whose intellect is fixed in Krishna, who devote without expectation, and are dearest to Him.
Some devotees worship God because of distress, or with desires for material gain — even though these are lower motives, they can lead eventually toward deeper devotion.
Those who seek knowledge and wisdom are placed between lower devotion and highest devotion they move from intellectual engagement toward inner realization.
Krishna calls for devotion with pure mind, selfless heart, recognizing Him as the supreme goal beyond material attachments.
Krishna promises to reveal complete knowledge and wisdom through devotion, by which nothing else remains unknown once one realizes Him.
This teaching also addresses doubt — attaching to God with mind and intellect dispels confusion.
Jñāna is knowledge Vijnāna is realization. True spiritual growth comes when one moves beyond theoretical knowledge into living realization of the divine.
Krishna reveals that all beings emerge from Him and return into Him; He is the seed, the intelligence, the light in all beings. Realizing this is supreme wisdom.
Krishna says that those who surrender to Him are able, by His grace, to cross over Maya and attain knowledge and peace.
Chapter 7 teaches that the Supreme Lord is both the material and spiritual source of all energies knowledge + realization + surrender are needed to overcome illusion and know Him.
In daily life, recognizing God’s presence in simple experiences (nature, senses), practicing sincerity, letting go of attachment, and turning to sincere devotion helps integrate these teachings.
Seek knowledge, reflect, cultivate devotion, surrender to God, practice witnessing self and detach from material outcomes. These steps help one progress on the path.
Those who attain vijnana are freed from fear of death, attains peace, and abide in the joy of knowing self and Supreme.
Krishna classifies devotees into four kinds: those in distress those desiring material gain sincere seekers of knowledge and the wise who love God for His own sake.
God is both the source of all that is manifest and unmanifest everything arises abides and dissolves in Him yet He remains distinct.
Although maya veils our true vision Krishna says that those who surrender and act with devotion can transcend illusion by His grace.
Distinction is drawn between knowing through study and scriptures versus internalizing and realizing the Divine through devotion and personal experience.
Among all devotees Krishna states that the wise devotee who loves Him without ulterior motives is most dear to Him.
One should study sacred texts reflect deeply and apply inner discernment to distinguish eternal truth from transient illusion.
Practising surrender to the Divine and cultivating unobstructed faith opens the door to crossing beyond maya.
Seeing good or bad joy or sorrow with equal mind helps maintain peace despite life’s ups and downs.
Daily practices like meditation chanting self-inquiry and devotional service help solidify knowledge into realization.
Recognizing that the same divine essence exists in all beings reduces ego jealousy and discrimination.
Many believe Maya is evil and must be destroyed but the teaching is that Maya is God’s energy it must be transcended not merely negated.
Thinking that knowing many verses or scriptures is the goal when inner transformation and devotion are equally or more important.
Expecting sudden spiritual experiences leads to discouragement steady dedication and patience are essential.
Some compare their spiritual path with others and feel inferior each person’s journey is unique and guided by inner sincerity.
Thinking ritual or outward worship is enough while ignoring purification of heart intention and surrender.
Krishna reveals that He is both visible and invisible—that He pervades all but also transcends all boundaries of the material realm.
When the mind surrenders completely free of selfish motives the devotee enters a state where knowledge becomes direct and vision unobstructed.
Grace is described as the means by which the unworthy may cross Maya when they surrender it is both subtle and powerful.
Understanding that the essence of Self is beyond form name and shape what is eternal lies beyond senses and mind.
Devotion gradually transforms intellect purifies desires and leads to inner peace and ecstasy even amid outer change.
