Chapter 7 - Knowledge of the Absolute

[Bhava dasa (ACBSP)]

Summary Outline of Bhagavad-gita As It Is: Chapter 7 – Knowledge of the Absolute
(Jnana-Vijnana Yoga)

Chapter 7 marks a shift in the Bhagavad-gita, where Krishna begins to reveal His divine nature and supremacy. He explains two types of knowledge—material knowledge (jnana) and spiritual realization (vijnana)—and describes how devotion to Him is the highest path to liberation.

1. The Path to Spiritual Knowledge (Verses 1-3)
• Krishna promises to reveal complete knowledge (jnana – theoretical knowledge and vijnana – realized knowledge).
• Among millions of people, very few seek perfection, and even fewer truly know Krishna.

2. Krishna’s Material and Spiritual Energies (Verses 4-12)
• Krishna explains that He is the source of both material and spiritual existence.
• Two types of energies:
- (1). Material energy (Aparā Prakriti) – Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intelligence, and ego.
- (2). Spiritual energy (Parā Prakriti) – The living entities (jivas), who are part of Krishna but trapped in the material world.
• Krishna is the origin and sustainer of everything—He is the taste in water, the light of the sun and moon, the intelligence of the intelligent, and the strength of the strong.

3. The Illusion of Maya (Verses 13-14)
• People are deluded by the three modes of material nature (guna-maya: goodness, passion, and ignorance).
• Krishna explains that His divine energy (maya) is very difficult to overcome.
• Only those who surrender to Him can transcend illusion.

4. Four Types of People Who Approach Krishna (Verses 15-19)
• Four types of impious people who do not surrender to Krishna:
- (1). The foolish (mudha) – ignorant of spiritual life.
- (2). The demoniac (asura-bhava) – envious of Krishna.
- (3). The deluded (mayayapahrita-jnana) – whose knowledge is stolen by illusion.
- (4). The sinful (duskritinah) – engaged in wicked activities.
• Four types of pious people who approach Krishna:
- (1). The distressed (arta) – those suffering and seeking relief.
- (2). The desireful (artharthi) – those who seek wealth and material gains.
- (3). The curious (jijnasu) – those who seek spiritual understanding.
- (4). The wise (jnani) – those who know Krishna as the Supreme and serve Him with devotion.
• Among them, the wise devotee is the dearest to Krishna and eventually understands that Krishna is everything (Vasudeva Sarvam Iti).

5. Worship of Demigods vs. Worship of Krishna (Verses 20-25)
• Those with material desires worship demigods, but their results are temporary.
• Krishna grants faith to such worshipers, but ultimately, all results come from Him.
• Krishna remains hidden (avajananti mam) from those who do not surrender to Him.

6. Krishna as the Ultimate Shelter (Verses 26-30)
• Krishna knows the past, present, and future, but ordinary people do not know Him.
• Those free from sin surrender to Krishna and seek liberation.
• At the time of death, those who fix their mind on Krishna attain Him.

Conclusion

Chapter 7 emphasizes Krishna’s supreme position and the importance of devotion (bhakti-yoga):
1. Krishna is the source of both material and spiritual energies.
2. Maya (illusion) binds people, and only those who surrender to Krishna can overcome it.
3. The wise devotee is the highest among those who seek Krishna.
4. Worship of demigods is temporary, but surrender to Krishna leads to liberation.

This chapter transitions into Chapter 8, where Krishna explains how one’s consciousness at death determines their next destination.