Chapter 8 — Akshar Brahmn Yoga

Verse 11
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka

yadakşaram vedavido vadanti

viśanti yadyatayo vītarāgāḥ

yadicchanto brahmacaryam chranti

tatte padam sangraheņa pravakşye

🕉 English Translation

Akshar kahe veda vetta jise,

Yatan karke payein vairagi useh

Brahmachari bane jiski chah mein kayee,

Kehta hun tujse param pad wahi.

📜 Translation English

The status which the wise who are the knowers of the Vedas, call Sachidanandghan (Truth, Consciousness and Eternal Bliss) as the imperishable one, that into which those who have conquered their passions and the striving ascetics enter, desiring which the seekers practise bramhacharya (celibacy), the same status I will describe to you with brevity.

💬 Commentary English

The gist of the Vedas is Brahmn. What is Brahmn; on this subject the light which can be thrown by the knowers of Brahmn only, probably none else can. That the inspiration from the Gita is in accordance with the Vedic tradition; this word is an additional proof. It is the conclusion of the knowers of Brahmn that in this creation only the divine is Immutable, that which cannot be destroyed by any means.


'Visanti yadyatayo vitaragah'-that into which the striving ascetics enter. Supreme status is not any building, ashram or house-abode which one can enter by opening the gate. The embodied being belongs to the Lord and abides in Him. The attachment to the world has separated the being from Him. 'Vitaragah yadi' meaning such great souls who have overcome this impediment of attachment.


The ones whose life is completely devoid of attachment and who are consistently striving to attain that supreme status, they enter into it comfortably.

'Yadicchanto brahmacaryam caranti'-the ones whose goal of life is just Brahmn! Those whose senses are not drawn towards worldly sensual indulgences, but towards Brahmn. Those who do not use their senses from the point of view of enjoying sensual objects, in a disciplined manner direct their energy towards a higher direction and associate it with Brahmn. In the ashram meant for brahmacharis (celibates) practising brahmacharya (celibacy) is undoubtedly helpful in attaining that supreme status; but inspiration of the Gita is universal and widespread, therefore it should be taken as the discipline of every sense organ.


The inimitable style of the singer of the Gita Lord Shri Krishna! He could have straightforwardly stated the supreme status in simple terms. But to awaken in the masses full faith and keenness towards that highest state He has encouraged by giving reference of the knowers of Brahmn, passionless ascetics and celibates; this is the glory of His expression. He being Himself that very Brahmn is indicating that He will describe briefly that supreme status. The following two verses provide further clarification in this regard.

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