Bhagavad Gita · Verse 9.12
Chapter 9: Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga (राजविद्याराजगुह्ययोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
मोघाशा मोघकर्माणो मोघज्ञाना विचेतसः । राक्षसीमासुरीं चैव प्रकृतिं मोहिनीं श्रिताः ॥१२॥
moghāśā moghakarmāṇo moghajñānā vicetasaḥ | rākṣasīmāsurīṃ caiva prakṛtiṃ mohinīṃ śritāḥ ||12||
Complete Shloka Translation
Their hopes, actions and knowledge are fruitless; lacking discernment, they have embraced a deluding nature that is rakshasic and asuric.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| मोघाशाः | moghāśāḥ | with fruitless hopes |
| मोहिनीम् | mohinīm | deluding |
| मोघाशा | moghāśā | [term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl... |
| मोघकर्माणो | moghakarmāṇo | [term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl... |
| मोघज्ञाना | moghajñānā | [term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl... |
| विचेतसः | vicetasaḥ | [term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl... |
| राक्षसीमासुरीं | rākṣasīmāsurīṃ | [term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl... |
| चैव | caiva | [term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl... |
| प्रकृतिं | prakṛtiṃ | [term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl... |
| मोहिनीं | mohinīṃ | [term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl... |
| श्रिताः | śritāḥ | [term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl... |
| १२ | śritāḥ | [term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl... |
with fruitless hopes
deluding
[term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl...
[term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl...
[term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl...
[term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl...
[term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl...
[term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl...
[term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl...
[term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl...
[term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl...
[term] in context of Their hopes, actions and knowl...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The strong language describes deluded dispositions in contrast to 9.13's divine orientation. Rakshasic and asuric are retained as religious terms, not labels to assign to present-day communities.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Examine whether your aims and actions are being clouded by self-deception."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Where could self-examination clarify an aim?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.