Bhagavad Gita · Verse 11.18
Chapter 11: Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga (विश्वरूपदर्शनयोगः)
(Arjuna said)
त्वमक्षरं परमं वेदितव्यं त्वमस्य विश्वस्य परं निधानम् । त्वमव्ययः शाश्वतधर्मगोप्ता सनातनस्त्वं पुरुषो मतो मे ॥१८॥
tvamakṣaraṃ paramaṃ veditavyaṃ tvamasya viśvasya paraṃ nidhānam | tvamavyayaḥ śāśvatadharmagoptā sanātanastvaṃ puruṣo mato me ||18||
Complete Shloka Translation
You are the imperishable, the supreme reality to be known; You are the ultimate refuge of this universe. You are the unfailing guardian of eternal dharma. I regard You as the eternal Person.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अक्षर | akṣara | imperishable |
| धर्मगोप्ता | dharmagoptā | guardian of dharma |
| त्वमक्षरं | tvamakṣaraṃ | [term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ... |
| परमं | paramaṃ | [term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ... |
| वेदितव्यं | veditavyaṃ | [term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ... |
| त्वमस्य | tvamasya | [term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ... |
| विश्वस्य | viśvasya | [term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ... |
| परं | paraṃ | [term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ... |
| निधानम् | nidhānam | [term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ... |
| त्वमव्ययः | tvamavyayaḥ | [term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ... |
| शाश्वतधर्मगोप्ता | śāśvatadharmagoptā | [term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ... |
| सनातनस्त्वं | sanātanastvaṃ | [term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ... |
| पुरुषो | puruṣo | [term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ... |
| मतो | mato | [term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ... |
| मे | me | [term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ... |
| १८ | me | [term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ... |
imperishable
guardian of dharma
[term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ...
[term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ...
[term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ...
[term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ...
[term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ...
[term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ...
[term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ...
[term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ...
[term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ...
[term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ...
[term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ...
[term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ...
[term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ...
[term] in context of You are the imperishable, the ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Arjuna interprets the vision through imperishability, refuge and dharma. The final phrase explicitly presents his conviction.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Seek a foundation for knowledge that also supports ethical responsibility."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can learning strengthen your ethical commitments?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to dissolve petty ego: see yourself as a humble instrument (Nimitta-matram) of a vastly larger cosmic intelligence. Let go of personal anxiety over outcomes, doing your duty with courage and dedication.