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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 12 Meaning in Hindi & English

By Lakshay Sharma | On 29 June, 2026 | Views

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 12 continues Lord Krishna's explanation of His relationship with the material world and the three Gunas (qualities of material nature).

In the previous verse, Krishna explained that He is the strength of the strong and the righteous desire that is aligned with Dharma. Now, He reveals that all states of existence influenced by the three Gunas—Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance)—originate from Him. However, He also clarifies that although these qualities arise from His energy, He Himself is beyond them.

This verse teaches that while God is the source of material nature, He is never limited or controlled by it.

Bhagavad Gita 7.12 – Krishna Beyond the Three Gunas

Krishna explains:

The qualities of goodness, passion, and ignorance all arise from Me.
The three Gunas govern material nature.
Although they originate from Me, I remain beyond them.
God is never bound by the material qualities that influence living beings.
Spiritual growth begins by rising above the influence of these Gunas.

The essence of this verse is that Krishna is both the source of material nature and completely transcendental to it.

Bhagavad Gita 7.12 – Sanskrit Shlok & Transliteration

Sanskrit Shlok

ये चैव सात्त्विका भावा राजसास्तामसाश्च ये । मत्त एवेति तान्विद्धि न त्वहं तेषु ते मयि ॥ १२ ॥

Shlok in Hinglish

Ye Chaiva Sattvika Bhava Rajasas Tamasas Cha Ye Matta Eveti Tan Viddhi Na Tv Aham Teshu Te Mayi

English Transliteration

ye caiva sāttvikā bhāvā rājasās tāmasāś ca ye matta eveti tān viddhi na tv ahaṁ teṣu te mayi

Word-by-Word Meaning (शब्दार्थ)

Sanskrit Word	Hindi Meaning	English Meaning
ये (Ye)	जो	Those which
च (Cha)	और	And
एव (Eva)	ही	Indeed
सात्त्विकाः (Sattvikah)	सात्त्विक	In the mode of goodness
भावाः (Bhavah)	अवस्थाएँ	States, Qualities
राजसाः (Rajasah)	राजसिक	In the mode of passion
तामसाः (Tamasah)	तामसिक	In the mode of ignorance
च (Cha)	और	And
ये (Ye)	जो	Those which
मत्तः (Mattah)	मुझसे	From Me
एव (Eva)	ही	Certainly
इति (Iti)	इस प्रकार	Thus
तान् (Tan)	उन्हें	Them
विद्धि (Viddhi)	जानो	Know
न (Na)	नहीं	Not
तु (Tu)	लेकिन	But
अहम् (Aham)	मैं	I
तेषु (Teshu)	उनमें	In them
ते (Te)	वे	They
मयि (Mayi)	मुझमें	In Me

Verse Meaning (अनुवाद)

Hindi Meaning (हिंदी अनुवाद)

सात्त्विक, राजसिक और तामसिक—जो भी भाव हैं, वे सब मुझसे ही उत्पन्न होते हैं। किंतु मैं उनमें स्थित नहीं हूँ; बल्कि वे सब मुझमें स्थित हैं।

English Meaning

Know that all states of being, whether in goodness, passion, or ignorance, arise from Me. Yet I am not contained within these qualities; rather, they exist within Me.

Deep Insights & Philosophical Context

1. What Are the Three Gunas?

Krishna introduces the three fundamental qualities of material nature:

Sattva (Goodness)

Characterized by:

Wisdom
Purity
Peace
Compassion
Knowledge

Sattva elevates the mind and promotes spiritual growth.

Rajas (Passion)

Characterized by:

Desire
Activity
Ambition
Attachment
Restlessness

Rajas drives action but can also create anxiety and dissatisfaction when uncontrolled.

Tamas (Ignorance)

Characterized by:

Laziness
Confusion
Negligence
Inertia
Delusion

Tamas obscures wisdom and prevents spiritual progress.

2. All Three Come from Krishna

Krishna explains that these Gunas originate from His material energy.

Just as electricity can power different devices with different functions, the same Divine energy manifests in various ways through material nature.

However, the diversity of creation does not diminish God's transcendence.

3. Krishna Is Beyond the Gunas

Krishna makes an important distinction:

"Na Tv Aham Teshu"

"I am not in them."

Although the Gunas arise from Him, He is never limited by them.

Unlike human beings, God is never:

Bound by desire.
Controlled by ignorance.
Disturbed by passion.

He remains eternally pure and perfect.

4. Why Do We Experience the Gunas?

The soul is naturally spiritual.

However, when it identifies with the material body, it experiences the influence of the three Gunas.

Our thoughts, emotions, and actions often reflect whichever Guna is strongest at a given time.

The purpose of spiritual practice is to gradually rise above their influence.

5. Moving Beyond Material Nature

The Bhagavad Gita does not encourage remaining permanently in any one Guna.

Although Sattva is the highest of the three, Krishna ultimately teaches that liberation comes by transcending all material qualities through devotion and God-realization.

6. The Supreme Is Always Independent

This verse reminds us that while God creates and sustains the material world, He is never confined by it.

Just as the sun remains untouched by the impurities it illuminates, Krishna remains eternally beyond the limitations of material existence.

Life Lessons from Bhagavad Gita 7.12

1. Understand Your Mind

Our moods constantly change.

Modern Takeaway:

Observe whether your thoughts are influenced by goodness, passion, or ignorance.

2. Choose Goodness

Sattva creates clarity and peace.

Modern Takeaway:

Develop habits that promote wisdom, compassion, and self-control.

3. Rise Above Temporary Emotions

Feelings change.

Modern Takeaway:

Avoid making important decisions while overwhelmed by anger, greed, or confusion.

4. Seek Spiritual Growth

The goal is not merely self-improvement but self-realization.

Modern Takeaway:

Strengthen your connection with God through prayer, meditation, and righteous living.

Modern-Day Relevance

In today's world, we constantly experience the influence of the three Gunas.

Examples include:

Sattva

Reading uplifting books.
Helping others.
Meditation.
Honest work.

Rajas

Career competition.
Material ambition.
Constant busyness.
Chasing recognition.

Tamas

Procrastination.
Addiction.
Negativity.
Excessive laziness.

Krishna encourages us to recognize these influences without becoming controlled by them.

Through spiritual awareness, we gradually cultivate inner freedom.

Practical Example

Imagine the weather changing throughout the day.

Sometimes the sky is bright and clear.

Sometimes it becomes stormy.

Sometimes thick fog covers everything.

The sky itself, however, remains unchanged behind these conditions.

Similarly, our consciousness experiences different moods influenced by the Gunas, but our true spiritual identity—and Krishna—remain beyond these temporary states.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 7.12?

Ans: Krishna teaches that the three Gunas—goodness, passion, and ignorance—originate from Him, but He Himself remains beyond their influence.

Q.2 What are the three Gunas?

Ans: They are the three qualities of material nature: Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance).

Q.3 Is Krishna affected by the Gunas?

Ans: No. Although the Gunas arise from His material energy, Krishna remains completely transcendental and independent of them.

Q.4 Why do human beings experience the Gunas?

Ans: Because the soul identifies with the material body and mind, which operate under the influence of the three Gunas.

Q.5 How can we rise above the Gunas?

Ans: Through devotion to God, meditation, righteous living, self-discipline, and spiritual wisdom.

Practical Applications of Bhagavad Gita 7.12

Observe Your Daily Habits

Notice whether your actions increase clarity, restlessness, or laziness.

Strengthen Sattva

Choose healthy food, uplifting company, and positive thoughts.

Practice Devotion

Remember God throughout the day through prayer or meditation.

Rise Above Material Influences

Do not allow temporary emotions to define your decisions.

Ask Yourself

Which Guna influences me most today?
Am I cultivating peace or restlessness?
What habits help me grow spiritually?
How can I become less controlled by changing emotions?

Related Verses to Explore Next

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 11 – Divine strength and righteous desire.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 13 – How the three Gunas delude the world.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14 Verse 5 – The nature of the three Gunas.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14 Verse 20 – Rising beyond the Gunas.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18 Verse 40 – Everything in material nature is influenced by the Gunas.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 12 teaches that all qualities of material nature—goodness, passion, and ignorance—originate from Lord Krishna's divine energy. Yet, Krishna Himself remains forever beyond these changing influences.

This verse encourages us to understand the forces shaping our thoughts and actions while remembering that our ultimate goal is not simply to cultivate goodness but to transcend material limitations altogether through devotion and spiritual realization.

The timeless lesson of this verse is:

"The three Gunas shape the material world, but the Supreme Lord stands beyond them—and through devotion, we too can rise above their influence."

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Lakshay Sharma

I’m Lakshay Sharma, a writer with a deep passion for Hindu mythology, Vastu Shastra, and home interiors. I enjoy exploring the rich traditions of Hindu gods and goddesses, sharing insights into Vastu principles, and offering guidance on creating sacred spaces like Puja Mandirs. Through my writing, I aim to inspire harmony and spiritual well-being, blending traditional knowledge with modern perspectives.

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