A core teaching · reflective in mood · a little context helps
“Desire clouds judgment and sends the mind toward smaller refuges.”
Driven by desire, people whose understanding has been taken away turn to other radiant beings. They follow the rules of each, shaped by their own nature.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Hover a word to focus on it.
Read literallyby desires · by those various · whose understanding is taken away · they take refuge · other radiant beings · that each · having taken up · by nature · governed · by their own
When desire overwhelms clear thinking, people begin seeking help from other powers and follow whatever practices fit their own nature.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Jnana Vijnana Yoga" (Knowledge and Wisdom).
Verse 20 sits in Chapter 7 of the Bhagavad Gita — Jnana Vijnana Yoga, "Knowledge and Wisdom". The chapter has 30 verses in total.
You keep refreshing your phone, hoping one more answer will calm you. In that restless state, you start handing your attention to whatever promises relief, even if it never frees you.
Did you like this verse?
It shifts attention from impulse-driven seeking to the need for clear seeing before commitment.
What this verse means
When desire overwhelms clear thinking, people begin seeking help from other powers and follow whatever practices fit their own nature.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield, Arjuna is frozen and Krishna is tracing the roots of human confusion. After praising the rare knower who sees the supreme reality, Krishna explains the opposite case: minds captured by desire turn away and seek smaller forms of support.
Why this verse still matters
You keep refreshing your phone, hoping one more answer will calm you. In that restless state, you start handing your attention to whatever promises relief, even if it never frees you.
“It warns that craving can quietly redirect your faith before you notice.”
Explore related themes: prakriti (31 verses), kama (23 verses)