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Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 14.13
अप्रकाशोऽप्रवृत्तिश्च प्रमादो मोह एव च ।
तमस्येतानि जायन्ते विवृद्धे कुरुनन्दन ॥ १३ ॥
aprakāśo ’pravṛttiś ca
pramādo moha eva ca
tamasy etāni jāyante
vivṛddhe kuru-nandana
When there is an increase in the mode of ignorance, O son of Kuru, darkness, inertia, madness and illusion are manifested.
Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.ioWhat this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.
3 study points
As ignorance increases, darkness, inactivity, madness and illusion appear.
Prabhupāda explains that a person in ignorance lacks knowledge and acts without rules or purpose.
Notice the tendency to make no effort even when you are able to work; this is a sign of ignorance.
These notes cover verses 14.11–13
Symptoms of three modes — These verses explain how the effects of the three modes of material nature, as explained in Texts 14.6 – 14.8, are manifested externally
Certain concepts are defined below:
“All gates illuminated by knowledge” (14.11) — Implies
Perception by the senses based on knowledge, in the right position
Clean inside and out
Darkness and inertia implies (14.13)
Not works according to regulative principles
Works whimsically for no purpose
Illusion — Even though he has the capacity to work, he does not endeavor (14.13)
Modes compete with one another for supremacy within an individual
Manifestation from the mode of
Goodness: is knowledge
Passion: is attachment, uncontrollable desire and intense endeavor
Ignorance: is inactivity and madness
Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.
The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.
Key ideas: prakṛti, guṇa.
Take one thing from this verse into your day.
What does BG 14.13 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to nature & guṇas?
Observe which mode shaped your last decision.
Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.
Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.
Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.