Verse-25
Chapter 13 — Kshetra Kshetrayagya Vibhag Yoga
Verse 25
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
anye tvevamajānantaḥ śrutvānyebhya upāsate
te'pi catitarantyeva mṛtyuṁ śrutiparāyaņāh
🕉 English Translation
Nahin jante hain magar aisa jo,
Puja kare meri sunn ke hee woh.
Suna jo kare vaisa acharan hee,
Tarr jate sansar se aise bhi.
📜 Translation
English
Others who are not aware of the paths of yoga of meditation, yoga of sankhya (knowledge) and yoga of action, etc. but having heard it from others i. e. from the great souls who are the knowers of the truth principle, they engage in worship in accordance with what they have heard. In this way, these beings who dedicate themselves to what they have heard also cross ocean of the world, i. e. they go beyond death.
In the creation of the divine all sorts of beings are found. Some are with awakened wisdom, who examine every fact and situation by evaluating it on the touchstone of discrimination, some who are more emotional, some who are extremely skilful in executing works; but one can also find some who neither have intellectual power nor skilfulness in the performance of works. For them too there is no cause for dejection in the Gita. They too can elevate themselves, can cross the worldly ocean of death-
To acknowledge listening as a means for elevation is a great expression of liberal thinking on the part of this Gita preacher. In the absence of sharp intellect, this means for elevation is a good encouragement for the seekers seeking to uplift themselves. To hear the words of the great knower of the divine truth is a forceful support on the path of self-elevation. If such a good opportunity comes one's way, one should without fail take benefit of it. But even here one should pay special attention to two aspects. Listening should not just be restricted to hearing. One should worship in accordance with what one has heard. The form which has been described by the preceptor or the teacher who is the knower of the truth principle, have faith in that-worship the Supreme in the manner advocated and also practise whatever has been heard.
It is possible to uplift oneself by listening; but not just mere listening. Practice too what has been heard and mould life in accordance with it! This verse is an inspiration and a warning too! The inspiration lies in the fact that if one is unable to make any other effort, he can make the hearing of scriptures as one of the means. Warning is that just by mere listening self-elevation cannot ensue; transform hearing into devotion; become dedicated to whatever has been heard! Hear with concentration; reflect on it and then try to imbibe it in life i. e. become engrossed in the spirit of spiritual expressions and make a decision to bring those emotions into your heart and make it a part of the daily conduct.