Bhagavad Gita · Verse 12.12
Chapter 12: Bhakti Yoga (भक्तियोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
श्रेयो हि ज्ञानमभ्यासाज्ज्ञानाद्ध्यानं विशिष्यते । ध्यानात्कर्मफलत्यागस्त्यागाच्छान्तिरनन्तरम् ॥१२॥
śreyo hi jñānamabhyāsājjñānāddhyānaṃ viśiṣyate | dhyānātkarmaphalatyāgastyāgācchāntiranantaram ||12||
Complete Shloka Translation
Knowledge is better than practice; meditation surpasses knowledge; relinquishing the fruits of action surpasses meditation, and peace follows relinquishment without delay.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ध्यान | dhyāna | meditation |
| त्याग | tyāga | relinquishment |
| श्रेयो | śreyo | [term] in context of Knowledge is better than pract... |
| हि | hi | [term] in context of Knowledge is better than pract... |
| ज्ञानमभ्यासाज्ज्ञानाद्ध्यानं | jñānamabhyāsājjñānāddhyānaṃ | [term] in context of Knowledge is better than pract... |
| विशिष्यते | viśiṣyate | [term] in context of Knowledge is better than pract... |
| ध्यानात्कर्मफलत्यागस्त्यागाच्छान्तिरनन्तरम् | dhyānātkarmaphalatyāgastyāgācchāntiranantaram | [term] in context of Knowledge is better than pract... |
| १२ | dhyānātkarmaphalatyāgastyāgācchāntiranantaram | [term] in context of Knowledge is better than pract... |
meditation
relinquishment
[term] in context of Knowledge is better than pract...
[term] in context of Knowledge is better than pract...
[term] in context of Knowledge is better than pract...
[term] in context of Knowledge is better than pract...
[term] in context of Knowledge is better than pract...
[term] in context of Knowledge is better than pract...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The verse links practice, knowledge, meditation and fruit-renunciation. Its comparisons are interpreted differently in relation to 12.8–12.11; they should not be flattened into one universal ranking for every seeker.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Reflect on how releasing insistence on results can support peace."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How does insistence on results affect your peace?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.