Verse 18.22 : Moksha Sanyasa Yoga "Liberation and Renunciation"
Verse 22 of 78
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The Translation
“And that knowledge which clings to a single effect as if it were the whole, without reason, without foundation in truth, and narrow—that is declared to be in the mode of ignorance (Tamasic).”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna describes the lowest form of knowledge: Tamasic knowledge. In the ancient philosophical debates of India, this represented extreme materialism or fanatical dogmatism, which rejected logical inquiry and spiritual depth in favor of narrow, physical identifications.
Practical Application
1
Challenge one rigid belief or dogma you hold by reading a different perspective with an open mind.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- How does religious extremism or fanatical dogma reflect Tamasic knowledge? Why do people mistake their tiny belief (alpa) for the whole truth (kritsna-vat)?
- How does identifying your entire self-worth with your physical body (a single effect) lead to psychological suffering?
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18.22
यत्तु कृत्स्नवदेकस्मिन्कार्ये सक्तमहैतुकम्
Shankara comments that 'kārye' refers to the physical body. Tamasic knowledge identifies the transient, physical frame as the Atman, thinking: 'I am this body, and when this body dies, I am finished.' It also applies to worshipping stones or trees, thinking they are the absolute God, without any philosophical basis. It is 'alpa' because it yields small results and belongs to animals and deluded humans.