Bhagavad Gita · Verse 12.5
Chapter 12: Bhakti Yoga (भक्तियोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
क्लेशोऽधिकतरस्तेषामव्यक्तासक्तचेतसाम् । अव्यक्ता हि गतिर्दुःखं देहवद्भिरवाप्यते ॥५॥
kleśo'dhikatarasteṣāmavyaktāsaktacetasām | avyaktā hi gatirduḥkhaṃ dehavadbhiravāpyate ||5||
Complete Shloka Translation
The difficulty is greater for those whose minds are attached to the unmanifest, for embodied beings reach the unmanifest goal only with difficulty.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| क्लेश | kleśa | difficulty |
| देहवत् | dehavat | embodied |
| क्लेशोऽधिकतरस्तेषामव्यक्तासक्तचेतसाम् | kleśo'dhikatarasteṣāmavyaktāsaktacetasām | [term] in context of The difficulty is greater for ... |
| अव्यक्ता | avyaktā | [term] in context of The difficulty is greater for ... |
| हि | hi | [term] in context of The difficulty is greater for ... |
| गतिर्दुःखं | gatirduḥkhaṃ | [term] in context of The difficulty is greater for ... |
| देहवद्भिरवाप्यते | dehavadbhiravāpyate | [term] in context of The difficulty is greater for ... |
difficulty
embodied
[term] in context of The difficulty is greater for ...
[term] in context of The difficulty is greater for ...
[term] in context of The difficulty is greater for ...
[term] in context of The difficulty is greater for ...
[term] in context of The difficulty is greater for ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna describes greater difficulty for embodied seekers, not impossibility. Read this with the attainment affirmed in 12.4.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Choose a practice with an honest understanding of its demands."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which demands of your chosen practice need honest attention?
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.