In Bhagavad Gita 7.11, Krishna says he is the strength of the strong that is free from desire and attachment, and the desire in beings that is not contrary to dharma.
Sanskrit Verse
श्रीभगवानुवाच · The Blessed Lord said
बलं बलवतां चाहं
कामरागविवर्जितम्
धर्माविरुद्धो भूतेषु
कामोऽस्मि भरतर्षभ ॥ ७-११ ॥
balaṃ balavatāṃ cāhaṃ
kāmarāgavivarjitam
dharmāviruddho bhūteṣu
kāmo’smi bharatarṣabha
English transliteration balam balavataam chaaham
kaamaraagavivarjitam
dharmaaviruddho bhooteshu
kaamo’smi bharatarshabha ॥ 7.11 ॥
Translation / Meaning
Of the strong, I am the strength that is free from desire and attachment. In beings, I am the desire that is not contrary to dharma, O best of the Bharatas.
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| बलम् balam | strength |
| बलवताम् balavatām | of the strong |
| च ca | and |
| अहम् aham | I |
| कामरागविवर्जितम् kāmarāgavivarjitam | free from desire and attachment kāma (desire) + rāga (attachment) + vivarjitam (free) |
| धर्माविरुद्धः dharmāviruddhaḥ | not contrary to dharma dharma (righteousness) + aviruddhaḥ (not opposed) |
| भूतेषु bhūteṣu | in beings |
| कामः kāmaḥ | desire |
| अस्मि asmi | I am |
| भरतर्षभ bharatarṣabha | O best of the Bharatas |
Word-wise Chanting
- ba–laṃ ba–la–va–tāṃ cā–haṃ 8 syllables ba-lam ba-la-va-taam chaa-ham
- kā–ma–rā–ga–vi–var–ji–tam | 8 syllables kaa-ma-raa-ga-vi-var-ji-tam
- dhar–mā–vi–rud–dho bhū–te–ṣu 8 syllables dhar-maa-vi-rud-dho bhoo-te-shu
- kā–mo–‘smi bha–ra–tar–ṣa–bha || 7-11 8 syllables kaa-mo-‘smi bha-ra-tar-sha-bha
How to read this
How to chant: each line is one pāda (quarter-verse); chant it in one breath. The hyphen (-) divides the syllables, inside a word and across a sandhi join, so every pāda shows its 8 syllables (11 in triṣṭubh verses). A consonant cluster is divided after its first consonant (kar-ma, vet-ti): that syllable is held longer. Mark above a syllable: guru, long (two beats); laghu, short (one beat). | closes the half-verse, || the verse; the number is the syllable count of the pāda.
Deeper Explanation – Chapter 7 Verse 11
Context
Krishna concludes the list of divine essences (7.8–7.11).
Meaning
The Divine is present in strength, but only strength that is pure, free from selfish desire and attachment. The Divine is even present in desire, but only desire that is dharma-aviruddha, in harmony with righteousness: for example, the desire for a loving family, honest livelihood or the welfare of others.
This verse shows that the Gita does not condemn desire as such. Desire aligned with dharma is sacred. The problem is desire that conflicts with righteousness. Our task is not to kill all desire but to harmonise it with what is right.
In Practice
Look at one of your desires today. Ask whether it is in harmony with dharma. If it is, pursue it as an offering; if not, let it go.
Related Verses
Continue Your Study
This verse belongs to Chapter 7: Jnana Vijnana Yoga (Knowledge and Realisation). Read the chapter overview, browse every verse of the Gita, or return to the chapter-by-chapter guide. For a reading plan, see how to study the Bhagavad Gita and the study resources.