
7
CHAPTER
VERSE
5
अपरेयमितस्त्वन्यां प्रकृतिं विद्धि मे पराम् |
जीवभूतां महाबाहो ययेदं धार्यते जगत् || 7.5 ||
Apareyam itas tv anyāṁ prakṛitiṁ viddhi me parām
Jīva-bhūtāṁ mahā-bāho yayedaṁ dhāryate jagat ||
Besides this inferior nature, O mighty-armed Arjun, there is a superior energy of Mine which comprises the living entities who are exploiting the resources of the material, inferior nature.
Lesson:
You will find primarily two types of energies or prakriti: the inferior and the superior, for which Shrik Krishna explains to Arjuna that the material world is comprised of these two energies. The inferior energy, known as apara prakriti, refers to the material elements and all living beings in the material realm. These living entities, including humans, animals, plants, and other organisms, interact with and exploit the resources of the material world for their sustenance and enjoyment. They are subject to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth within the material realm due to their attachment and entanglement with material desires.
On the other hand, Lord Krishna reveals the existence of a superior energy, or para prakriti, which transcends the material realm. This superior energy consists of the eternal souls, or jiva-bhutas, who animate and inhabit the material bodies. Unlike the material elements, these living entities are spiritual in nature and are distinct from the physical world. They possess consciousness and the capacity for self-awareness, and their ultimate goal is to realize their spiritual identity and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Through this verse, Lord Krishna highlights the dual nature of reality and emphasizes the distinction between the temporary material world and the eternal spiritual realm. He encourages Arjuna to recognize the higher purpose of life beyond material existence and to strive for spiritual realization and liberation from the cycle of samsara.