Chapter 18, Verse 22
यत्तु कृत्स्नवदेकस्मिन्कार्ये सक्तमहैतुकम् | अतत्वार्थवदल्पं च तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् ॥22॥
yat tu kṛtsnavad ekasmin kārye saktam ahaitukam | atattvārthavad alpaṃ ca tat tāmasam udāhṛtam
"But that knowledge which is attached to one single effect as if it were the whole, which is irrational, without foundation in truth, and trivial, is declared to be in the mode of ignorance."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 18.22 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 18.22 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse describes Tamasic knowledge (knowledge in the mode of darkness). It is characterized by narrow-mindedness, where a fragment is mistaken for the absolute whole. Such knowledge lacks logic (ahaitukam), is not grounded in reality (atattvārthavad), and is petty or trivial (alpam). It often manifests as fanaticism, where one clings to a single idea or ritual without understanding its deeper context or purpose, leading to a distorted view of reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 18.22?
But that knowledge which is attached to one single effect as if it were the whole, which is irrational, without foundation in truth, and trivial, is declared to be in the mode of ignorance.