Chapter 5, Verse 15
नादत्ते कस्यचित्पापं न चैव सुकृतं विभु: | अज्ञानेनावृतं ज्ञानं तेन मुह्यन्ति जन्तव: ॥15॥
nādatte kasyacit pāpaṁ na caiva sukṛtaṁ vibhuḥ | ajñānenāvṛtaṁ jñānaṁ tena muhyanti jantavaḥ
"The All-pervading Lord neither accepts the sin nor the merit of anyone. Knowledge is enveloped by ignorance; thereby, living beings are deluded."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 5.15 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 5.15 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This pivotal verse clarifies the relationship between the Divine (Vibhu) and human agency. God is described as the 'Umpire' of the universe; He provides the field and the rules, but the soul exercises free will. He does not take responsibility for our choices because the soul, being a fragment of the Divine, possesses a tiny measure of independence. The confusion regarding our suffering or success arises from 'Ajñana' (ignorance), which covers our innate spiritual knowledge. Without free will, the concept of love would be impossible, as love requires a choice. When we blame God for our misfortunes or take egoistic pride in our successes, we are acting under the delusion caused by this covering of ignorance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 5.15?
The All-pervading Lord neither accepts the sin nor the merit of anyone. Knowledge is enveloped by ignorance; thereby, living beings are deluded.