Bhagavad Gita 7.28 — Freed from Duality, the Virtuous Worship with Firm Resolve
येषां त्वन्तगतं पापं जनानां पुण्यकर्मणाम् ।
ते द्वन्द्वमोहनिर्मुक्ता भजन्ते मां दृढव्रताः ॥ ७.२८ ॥
🔊 Listen to meaning of this shloka
Current voice: —
Ready
Text-to-speech is not supported by this browser.
But those virtuous people whose sins have come to an end are freed from the delusion of dualities, and they worship Me with firm resolve.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yeṣhām | whose |
| tu | but |
| anta-gatam | come to an end |
| pāpam | sin, impurity |
| janānām | of persons |
| puṇya-karmaṇām | of virtuous deeds |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| te | they |
| dvandva-moha-nirmuktāḥ | freed from the delusion of dualities |
| bhajante | worship |
| mām | Me |
| dṛiḍha-vratāḥ | firm in their vows, with determination |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yeṣhām | whose | te | they |
| tu | but | dvandva-moha-nirmuktāḥ | freed from the delusion of dualities |
| anta-gatam | come to an end | bhajante | worship |
| pāpam | sin, impurity | mām | Me |
| janānām | of persons | dṛiḍha-vratāḥ | firm in their vows, with determination |
| puṇya-karmaṇām | of virtuous deeds | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna now describes who becomes free from the delusion of dualities. They are those whose sinful actions have come to an end and who perform virtuous deeds, and who worship Him with firm resolve.
Essence
Freedom Through Purity and Firm Resolve
After naming the delusion of opposites as the problem, Lord Krishna now explains how it ends. The solution is not a sudden miracle but the result of a gradual transformation of character and commitment.
Yeṣāṁ tv anta-gataṁ pāpam (those whose sin has come to an end): Pāpa here refers to the impurities that cloud the mind, created by selfish and harmful actions. They do not vanish overnight. They are worn away over time by sincere repentance, restraint, and good conduct. The word anta-gata suggests that the force of these impurities has finally been exhausted.
Janānāṁ puṇya-karmaṇām (of people who perform virtuous actions): Purification is not only the removal of bad habits but also the cultivation of good ones, such as generosity, service, honesty, and self-control. A mind occupied with virtue has less room for harmful impulses.
Te dvandva-moha-nirmuktāḥ (they are freed from the delusion of dualities): As the mind becomes purified, the swings of attraction and aversion lose their force. The person is no longer pulled so strongly by pleasant and unpleasant experiences, and sees more clearly.
Bhajante māṁ dṛḍha-vratāḥ (they worship Me with firm resolve): The word dṛḍha-vrata means one who holds a firm vow. Devotion at this stage is no longer casual or dependent on mood. It is a steady commitment, like a lamp that burns in a windless place.
Character and devotion together: The verse shows that purity of conduct and devotion to the Divine support each other. Good conduct prepares the heart for devotion, and devotion in turn strengthens good conduct. Neither is effective in isolation.
Message for Everyday Life (Building Steady Commitment)
Do not rely on moods: Many people begin a spiritual or personal practice with enthusiasm and abandon it when the feeling fades.
Practical approach: Decide on a small practice you can keep daily, such as a few minutes of prayer or silent reflection, and honour it regardless of mood. Alongside it, pay attention to your ethical conduct, since honesty and kindness clear the mind. Steady practice, however modest, achieves more than occasional bursts of effort.
Freedom Through Purity and Firm Resolve
After naming the delusion of opposites as the problem, Lord Krishna now explains how it ends. The solution is not a sudden miracle but the result of a gradual transformation of character and commitment.
Yeṣāṁ tv anta-gataṁ pāpam (those whose sin has come to an end): Pāpa here refers to the impurities that cloud the mind, created by selfish and harmful actions. They do not vanish overnight. They are worn away over time by sincere repentance, restraint, and good conduct. The word anta-gata suggests that the force of these impurities has finally been exhausted.
Janānāṁ puṇya-karmaṇām (of people who perform virtuous actions): Purification is not only the removal of bad habits but also the cultivation of good ones, such as generosity, service, honesty, and self-control. A mind occupied with virtue has less room for harmful impulses.
Te dvandva-moha-nirmuktāḥ (they are freed from the delusion of dualities): As the mind becomes purified, the swings of attraction and aversion lose their force. The person is no longer pulled so strongly by pleasant and unpleasant experiences, and sees more clearly.
Bhajante māṁ dṛḍha-vratāḥ (they worship Me with firm resolve): The word dṛḍha-vrata means one who holds a firm vow. Devotion at this stage is no longer casual or dependent on mood. It is a steady commitment, like a lamp that burns in a windless place.
Character and devotion together: The verse shows that purity of conduct and devotion to the Divine support each other. Good conduct prepares the heart for devotion, and devotion in turn strengthens good conduct. Neither is effective in isolation.
Message for Everyday Life (Building Steady Commitment)
Do not rely on moods: Many people begin a spiritual or personal practice with enthusiasm and abandon it when the feeling fades.
Practical approach: Decide on a small practice you can keep daily, such as a few minutes of prayer or silent reflection, and honour it regardless of mood. Alongside it, pay attention to your ethical conduct, since honesty and kindness clear the mind. Steady practice, however modest, achieves more than occasional bursts of effort.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has described those who, being purified and firm in resolve, are freed from the delusion of dualities and worship Him. He now describes the supreme aim of such seekers, who strive for liberation from old age and death by taking refuge in Him, and what they come to know.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Goodness practiced long enough becomes purity.
Commitment makes devotion strong.
A clear mind is a free mind.
Vows are anchors in rough water.
Every good deed is a step toward devotion.
Impurity is not permanent.
Be firm in goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'anta-gatam pāpam' (sin has come to an end) mean?
What are 'puṇya-karmaṇām' (of virtuous deeds)?
What does 'dṛiḍha-vratāḥ' (firm in their vows) mean?
How is 'dvandva-moha-nirmuktāḥ' (freed from the delusion of dualities) connected to the previous verse?
What is the practical message of this verse?
Explore related topics
More shlokas on the themes this verse touches: