Chapter 7, Verse 11
बलं बलवतां चाहं कामरागविवर्जितम् | धर्माविरुद्धो भूतेषु कामोऽस्मि भरतर्षभ ॥11॥
balaṁ balavatāṁ cāhaṁ kāma-rāga-vivarjitam | dharmāviruddho bhūteṣu kāmo'smi bharatarṣabha || 11 ||
"And of the strong I am the strength which is devoid of passion and attachment. Among creatures I am desire which is not contrary to righteousness, O scion of the Bharata dynasty."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 7.11 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 7.11 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna identifies Himself as the pure essence of strength and desire. He is not just any strength, but that which is free from 'Kama' (selfish passion) and 'Raga' (attachment). Similarly, He is 'Kama' (desire) only when it aligns with 'Dharma' (righteousness/cosmic order), such as the desire for procreation within a sacred bond or the pursuit of one's duties. This verse distinguishes between animalistic impulses and divine-aligned functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 7.11?
And of the strong I am the strength which is devoid of passion and attachment. Among creatures I am desire which is not contrary to righteousness, O scion of the Bharata dynasty.