Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 7 verse 27
Chapter 7 · Jnana Vijnana Yoga

Human Nature · Caught Between Desire and Aversion

इच्छाद्वेषसमुत्थेन द्वन्द्वमोहेन भारत । सर्वभूतानि सम्मोहं सर्गे यान्ति परन्तप ॥

icchādveṣasamutthena dvandvamohena bhārata, sarvabhūtāni sammohaṁ sarge yānti parantapa.

Meaning

"O Bharata, all beings at birth fall into delusion caused by the duality arising from desire and aversion, O scorcher of foes."

Explanation

The tug-of-war between wanting and avoiding is a very ordinary human condition, not a personal failing.

Today's Life Lesson

When you notice today's pull between wanting and avoiding, treat it gently as simply part of being human.

More verses to reflect on