Chapter 18, Verse 21 (Bhagavad Gita 18.21)
Chapter 18: Mokṣha Sanyās Yog – Yoga through the Perfection of Renunciation and Surrender
Sanskrit Shloka
पृथक्त्वेन तु यज्ज्ञानं नानाभावान्पृथग्विधान्।वेत्ति सर्वेषु भूतेषु तज्ज्ञानं विद्धि राजसम्
Transliteration
pṛithaktvena tu yaj jñānaṁ nānā-bhāvān pṛithag-vidhān vetti sarveṣhu bhūteṣhu taj jñānaṁ viddhi rājasam
Word Meanings
pṛithaktvena—unconnected; tu—however; yat—which; jñānam—knowledge; nānā-bhāvān—manifold entities; pṛithak-vidhān—of diversity; vetti—consider; sarveṣhu—in all; bhūteṣhu—living entities; tat—that; jñānam—knowledge; viddhi—know; rājasam—in the mode of passion
Translation
But that knowledge which sees in all beings various entities of distinct kinds as being distinct from one another, know thou that knowledge to be Rajasic.
Meaning & Commentary
In this verse, Bhagwan Shri Krishna reveals the nature of fragmented perception that characterizes the Rajasic mode of existence. When a soul is clouded by passion, it perceives only the superficial diversity of forms and labels, failing to recognize the singular Divine presence of Shri Krishna residing within every heart. This divisive knowledge creates a sense of separation, ego, and conflict, binding the seeker to the cycle of material dualities. Shri Krishna urges the seeker to transcend this narrow vision to perceive the underlying unity of Brahman. By recognizing the Supreme Lord as the source of all, the devotee begins to move beyond the ignorance of ego-centered differentiation toward liberation.