Bhagavad Gita · Verse 13.12
Chapter 13: Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga (क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञविभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
ज्ञेयं यत्तत्प्रवक्ष्यामि यज्ज्ञात्वामृतमश्नुते । अनादिमत्परं ब्रह्म न सत्तन्नासदुच्यते ॥१२॥
jñeyaṃ yattatpravakṣyāmi yajjñātvāmṛtamaśnute | anādimatparaṃ brahma na sattannāsaducyate ||12||
Complete Shloka Translation
I will explain what is to be known, knowing which one attains deathlessness: beginningless, supreme Brahman, which is called neither being nor nonbeing.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ज्ञेय | jñeya | that which is to be known |
| अमृत | amṛta | deathlessness |
| ज्ञेयं | jñeyaṃ | [term] in context of I will explain what is to be k... |
| यत्तत्प्रवक्ष्यामि | yattatpravakṣyāmi | [term] in context of I will explain what is to be k... |
| यज्ज्ञात्वामृतमश्नुते | yajjñātvāmṛtamaśnute | [term] in context of I will explain what is to be k... |
| अनादिमत्परं | anādimatparaṃ | [term] in context of I will explain what is to be k... |
| ब्रह्म | brahma | [term] in context of I will explain what is to be k... |
| सत्तन्नासदुच्यते | na | [term] in context of I will explain what is to be k... |
| १२ | sattannāsaducyate | [term] in context of I will explain what is to be k... |
that which is to be known
deathlessness
[term] in context of I will explain what is to be k...
[term] in context of I will explain what is to be k...
[term] in context of I will explain what is to be k...
[term] in context of I will explain what is to be k...
[term] in context of I will explain what is to be k...
[term] in context of I will explain what is to be k...
[term] in context of I will explain what is to be k...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna turns from the qualities of knowledge to its object. The compound anadimatparam and sat/asat have alternate readings; immortality concerns spiritual attainment.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Approach ultimate questions with care when ordinary categories fall short."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which ultimate question resists a simple category?
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.