
14
CHAPTER
VERSE
13
अप्रकाशोऽप्रवृत्तिश्च प्रमादो मोह एव च |
तमस्येतानि जायन्ते विवृद्धे कुरुनन्दन || 14.13 ||
Aprakāśo'pravṛttiśhcha pramādo moha eva cha |
Tamasyetāni jāyante vivṛddhe kuru-nandana ||
Ignorance, inertia, and delusion—these arise when Tamas predominates, O Arjuna, leading to confusion and bewilderment.
Lesson:
When the quality of Tamas predominates in an individual's nature, it leads to the manifestation of certain negative traits and tendencies. The term "Aprakāśa" refers to ignorance or lack of illumination. When Tamas is dominant, individuals may become enveloped in darkness, unable to perceive the true nature of reality. This ignorance hampers their ability to discern between right and wrong, leading to confusion and moral dilemmas.
"Apravṛtti" signifies inertia or lack of activity. Under the influence of Tamas, individuals may exhibit laziness, lethargy, and a reluctance to engage in productive endeavours. This inertia prevents them from pursuing their goals and fulfilling their responsibilities, hindering their personal growth and development.
"Pramāda" refers to negligence or carelessness. When Tamas prevails, individuals may become prone to making errors, overlooking important details, and neglecting their duties. This state of negligence can have detrimental consequences, both personally and socially, leading to conflicts and failures.
"Moha" denotes delusion or confusion. Tamas-induced delusion clouds the mind, distorting one's perception of reality and creating a sense of disorientation and bewilderment. Individuals under the sway of Tamas may struggle to differentiate between truth and falsehood, leading to misguided beliefs and decisions.
Krishna addresses Arjuna as "Kuru-nandana," meaning the descendant of the Kuru dynasty, to emphasize the importance of understanding these qualities in the context of his own life and actions. By recognizing the manifestations of Tamas within oneself, Arjuna can effectively address and overcome these negative tendencies, thereby fostering clarity, diligence, and discernment in his endeavours.
This verse serves as a practical guide for individuals seeking self-improvement and spiritual evolution. By cultivating awareness of the qualities associated with Tamas, one can strive to transcend its influence and cultivate the higher qualities of Sattva (purity and illumination) and Rajas (activity and passion). Through self-reflection, introspection, and spiritual practice, individuals can gradually overcome ignorance, inertia, and delusion, leading to greater clarity, purpose, and peace in life.