Bhagavad Gita 5.15

 

Bhagavad Gita 5.15 – Understanding the Role of Karma and Free Will

Sanskrit Verse:

नादत्ते कस्यचित्पापं न चैव सुकृतं विभुः।
अज्ञानेनावृतं ज्ञानं तेन मुह्यन्ति जन्तवः॥ ५.१५॥

Transliteration:

nādatte kasyacit pāpaṁ na caiva sukṛtaṁ vibhuḥ
ajñānenāvṛtaṁ jñānaṁ tena muhyanti jantavaḥ

Translation:

"The Supreme does not accept anyone's sin nor virtue. Knowledge is covered by ignorance, and thereby, living beings are deluded."

"परमात्मा न तो किसी के पाप को स्वीकार करता है, न ही किसी के पुण्य को। ज्ञान अज्ञान से ढका हुआ है, और इसी कारण जीव भ्रमित हो जाते हैं। "

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Explanation and Interpretation

This verse from Chapter 5, Karma Sannyasa Yoga (The Path of Renunciation), addresses fundamental aspects of karma (action), free will, and divine impartiality in Hindu philosophy.

1. God’s Neutral Role in Karma

Lord Krishna emphasizes that the Supreme Being (Vibhu) does not impose sin (pāpa) or virtue (sukṛta) upon anyone. Every individual is responsible for their actions, and the divine does not interfere in the results of one's karma. This reflects the law of karma, which states that our past actions shape our present and future experiences.

2. The Illusion of Ignorance (Avidya)

Krishna explains that knowledge (jñāna) is covered by ignorance (ajñāna), which leads to confusion and attachment. Because of this ignorance, people fail to see the reality of their own actions and blame external forces, including God, for their suffering.

3. Human Free Will and Self-Realization

This verse reinforces the idea that humans have free will to perform actions but often act under the illusion created by ignorance. Only by acquiring true knowledge (atma-jnana) can one transcend this confusion and attain liberation (moksha).

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Practical Application in Life

• Take Responsibility for Your Actions: Instead of blaming fate or God, we must acknowledge that our own past and present actions shape our future.

• Seek Knowledge and Wisdom: Spiritual growth involves removing ignorance through self-inquiry, meditation, and devotion.

• Live a Righteous Life: Engaging in good actions with awareness leads to purification of the mind and ultimate liberation.

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Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 5.15 teaches that God is neutral and does not interfere with human karma. Ignorance blinds people, causing them to misunderstand the law of karma. By removing ignorance and gaining wisdom, one can move towards enlightenment and inner peace.

This verse serves as a reminder that knowledge and self-awareness are key to spiritual progress and ultimate freedom from suffering.