Bhagavad Gita · Verse 11.29
Chapter 11: Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga (विश्वरूपदर्शनयोगः)
(Arjuna said)
यथा प्रदीप्तं ज्वलनं पतङ्गा विशन्ति नाशाय समृद्धवेगाः । तथैव नाशाय विशन्ति लोकास्तवापि वक्त्राणि समृद्धवेगाः ॥२९॥
yathā pradīptaṃ jvalanaṃ pataṅgā viśanti nāśāya samṛddhavegāḥ | tathaiva nāśāya viśanti lokāstavāpi vaktrāṇi samṛddhavegāḥ ||29||
Complete Shloka Translation
As moths rush swiftly into a blazing flame to perish, so the worlds rush into Your mouths toward destruction.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| पतङ्ग | pataṅga | moth |
| नाश | nāśa | destruction |
| यथा | yathā | [term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b... |
| प्रदीप्तं | pradīptaṃ | [term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b... |
| ज्वलनं | jvalanaṃ | [term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b... |
| पतङ्गा | pataṅgā | [term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b... |
| विशन्ति | viśanti | [term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b... |
| नाशाय | nāśāya | [term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b... |
| समृद्धवेगाः | samṛddhavegāḥ | [term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b... |
| तथैव | tathaiva | [term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b... |
| लोकास्तवापि | lokāstavāpi | [term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b... |
| वक्त्राणि | vaktrāṇi | [term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b... |
| २९ | samṛddhavegāḥ | [term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b... |
moth
destruction
[term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b...
[term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b...
[term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b...
[term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b...
[term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b...
[term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b...
[term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b...
[term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b...
[term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b...
[term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b...
[term] in context of As moths rush swiftly into a b...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The moth image intensifies the preceding river comparison. The reflection applies its imagery to self-examination without equating all desire with this cosmic event.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Examine impulses that draw us toward harm without reflection."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which impulse deserves a pause before you act?
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.