Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18 Verse 31 Meaning

That by which one wrongly understands dharma and adharma, and also what ought to be done and what ought not to be done—that intellect, O Arjuna, is rajasic (passionate).

BG 18.31

यया धर्ममधर्मं च कार्यं चाकार्यमेव च।अयथावत्प्रजानाति बुद्धिः सा पार्थ राजसी

yayā dharmam adharmaṁ cha kāryaṁ chākāryam eva cha ayathāvat prajānāti buddhiḥ sā pārtha rājasī

Meaning

That by which one wrongly understands dharma and adharma, and also what ought to be done and what ought not to be done—that intellect, O Arjuna, is rajasic (passionate).

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Explanation & Life Application

This verse from Chapter 18 of the Bhagavad Gita highlights a practical insight: That by which one wrongly understands dharma and adharma, and also what ought to be done and what ought not to be done—that intellect, O Arjuna, is rajasic (passionate).

In The Yoga of Liberation (Moksha Sanyasa Yoga), Krishna explains The conclusion of the Gita, summarizing all paths and encouraging Arjuna to surrender to God.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

Chapter Context

The conclusion of the Gita, summarizing all paths and encouraging Arjuna to surrender to God.

Key themes in this chapter include Liberation, Surrender, Duty, Grace.

When to Apply This Verse

  • •When you need steadiness while dealing with liberation
  • •When practicing surrender amid uncertainty
  • •When applying duty to real-life choices

Verse FAQs

What is the main idea of Bhagavad Gita 18.31?
That by which one wrongly understands dharma and adharma, and also what ought to be done and what ought not to be done—that intellect, O Arjuna, is rajasic (passionate). This verse emphasizes liberation with clarity and purpose.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 18.31 in daily life?
Apply this teaching when making choices or doing your duties. Focus on surrender and keep your mind steady regardless of outcomes.

Related Verses

BG 18.2

The Blessed Lord said, "The sages understand sannyasa to be the renunciation of action with desire; the wise declare the abandonment of the fruits of all actions to be tyaga."

BG 18.5

Acts of sacrifice, gift, and austerity should not be abandoned, but should be performed; for sacrifice, gift, and austerity are the purifiers of the wise.

BG 1.1

Dhritarashtra said, "What did my people and the sons of Pandu do when they had assembled together, eager for battle, on the holy plain of Kurukshetra, O Sanjaya?"

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← Back to Chapter 18: The Yoga of Liberation

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