Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 7 verse 11
Chapter 7 · Jnana Vijnana Yoga

Strength Without Ego · Desire Within Dharma

बलं बलवतां चाहं कामरागविवर्जितम् । धर्माविरुद्धो भूतेषु कामोऽस्मि भरतर्षभ ॥

balaṁ balavatāṁ cāhaṁ kāma-rāga-vivarjitam dharmāviruddho bhūteṣu kāmo 'smi bharatarṣabha

Meaning

"I am the strength of the strong, free from desire and attachment, and I am desire in beings that is not opposed to dharma, O best of the Bharatas."

Explanation

Not every strength or desire is a problem — strength that isn't puffed up with ego, and desire that stays within the bounds of what's right, are both described here as expressions of the divine itself, not obstacles to it.

Today's Life Lesson

If you feel strong or want something today, check that it stays free of ego and within what's right — that keeps it wholesome.

More verses to reflect on