Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7, Verse 28

Chapter 7 – Jnana Vijnana Yoga · Speaker: Krishna

Sanskrit verse

येषां त्वन्तगतं पापं जनानां पुण्यकर्मणाम् ।
ते द्वन्द्वमोहनिर्मुक्ता भजन्ते मां दृढव्रताः ॥

Transliteration

yeṣāṃ tvantagataṃ pāpaṃ janānāṃ puṇyakarmaṇām .
te dvandvamohanirmuktā bhajante māṃ dṛḍhavratāḥ ॥

Meaning

But those people of virtuous deeds whose sins have come to an end, freed from the delusion of the pairs of opposites, worship Me with firm resolve.

Word meanings

येषाम् – of whom
तु – but
अन्तगतम् – come to an end
पापम् – sin
जनानाम् – of people
पुण्यकर्मणाम् – of virtuous deeds
ते – they
द्वन्द्वमोहनिर्मुक्ताः – freed from the delusion of opposites
भजन्ते – worship
माम् – Me
दृढव्रताः – firm in resolve

Anvaya (word order)

तु येषां पुण्यकर्मणां जनानां पापम् अन्तगतम्, ते द्वन्द्वमोहनिर्मुक्ताः दृढव्रताः मां भजन्ते ।

Explanation

In the previous verse Krishna said that all beings are caught in the delusion of opposites born of desire and aversion. Is there then no release? This verse gives hope: yes, release is possible, and the way is clear.

Yesham tv anta-gatam papam jananam punya-karmanam — those people of virtuous deeds whose sins have come to an end. Sin here means the impure impressions that keep the mind bound in attraction and aversion. Through virtuous deeds — selfless service, truthfulness, charity, austerity, holy company — they gradually wear away. Shankara says that punya-karma means actions that become causes of purification of mind. As the mind's impurities are washed away, the grip of the opposites loosens.

Te dvandva-moha-nirmukta bhajante mam dridha-vratah — freed from the delusion of opposites, they worship Me with firm resolve. Dridha-vrata is an important word: their devotion does not depend on circumstances. Whether pleasure comes or pain, gain or loss, their resolve stays unshaken. Ramanuja says they worship the Lord with firm determination, regarding Him as the only thing worth attaining.

The verse shows a beautiful sequence: virtuous deeds, the ending of sin, freedom from the delusion of opposites, and firm devotion. Good action and devotion are therefore not opposed; they are stages of one journey.

Context

Verse 7.27 said that all beings are deluded by the pairs of opposites; this verse says that the virtuous, freed from that delusion, worship the Lord. In the next verse (7.29) Krishna says such devotees fully know Brahman, the individual self and action.

Life lesson

The practical way to free the mind from attraction and aversion is good action. Do at least one selfless deed every day. Gradually the mind will grow lighter, and devotion will become steady and firm.

Key terms

Punya-karma: virtuous deeds that purify the mind
Anta-gata papa: one whose sins have come to an end
Dvandva-moha-nirmukta: freed from the delusion of opposites
Dridha-vrata: of unshakable resolve