Chapter 7ज्ञानविज्ञानयोगःJnana Vijnana Yoga

The promise of complete knowledge (7.1–7.3). With your mind fixed on me, taking refuge in me, hear how you will know me fully (7.1); knowledge together with realised knowledge (vijnana), knowing which nothing else remains (7.2); among thousands, one strives, and among those, one knows me in truth (7.3).

The two natures (7.4–7.7). The lower nature (apara prakriti) of eight forms — the elements, mind, intellect, ego (7.4); distinct from it, the higher nature (para prakriti) — the jiva, which sustains the world (7.5); both are the womb of all beings, and I am the origin and dissolution of the world (7.6); there is nothing higher than me; all is strung on me like pearls on a thread (7.7).

The essence of every thing (7.8–7.12). The taste of water, the radiance of moon and sun, Om in the Vedas, sound in space, human effort in human beings (7.8); the pure fragrance of the earth, the brilliance of fire, the life of beings, the austerity of the ascetic (7.9); the eternal seed of all, the intelligence of the intelligent, the splendour of the splendid (7.10); strength free of desire and attachment, desire not opposed to dharma (7.11); all three gunas come from me, but I am not in them — they are in me (7.12).

Maya and refuge (7.13–7.15). Deluded by the gunas, the world does not recognise me (7.13); the divine maya made of the gunas is hard to cross, but those who take refuge in me cross it (7.14); evildoers, the deluded, and those of demonic disposition do not take refuge (7.15).

Four kinds of devotees (7.16–7.19). The distressed, the seeker of knowledge, the seeker of wealth, and the wise (7.16); the wise one is ever united, devoted to one alone — exceedingly dear to me (7.17); all are noble, but the wise one is my very self (7.18); at the end of many births — vāsudevaḥ sarvam — such a great soul is rare (7.19).

Other deities (7.20–7.23). Worship of other deities out of desires (7.20); it is I who make every faith steady (7.21); the fruit too comes from me alone (7.22); but the fruit is limited; worshippers of the devas go to the devas, my devotees come to me (7.23).

The veil and liberation (7.24–7.30). Taking the unmanifest to have become manifest (7.24); the veil of yogamaya (7.25); I know all, no one knows me (7.26); the delusion of the pairs, desire and aversion, from birth (7.27); devotees of virtuous deeds, firm in their vows (7.28); Brahman, adhyatma, karma (7.29); adhibhuta, adhidaiva, adhiyajna — and remembrance at the final hour (7.30).