Bhagavad Gita · Verse 13.17
Chapter 13: Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga (क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञविभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
ज्योतिषामपि तज्ज्योतिस्तमसः परमुच्यते । ज्ञानं ज्ञेयं ज्ञानगम्यं हृदि सर्वस्य विष्ठितम् ॥१७॥
jyotiṣāmapi tajjyotistamasaḥ paramucyate | jñānaṃ jñeyaṃ jñānagamyaṃ hṛdi sarvasya viṣṭhitam ||17||
Complete Shloka Translation
It is the light even of lights, said to be beyond darkness; knowledge, the knowable and that reached through knowledge, dwelling in everyone’s heart.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ज्योतिस् | jyotis | light |
| हृद् | hṛd | heart |
| ज्योतिषामपि | jyotiṣāmapi | [term] in context of It is the light even of lights... |
| तज्ज्योतिस्तमसः | tajjyotistamasaḥ | [term] in context of It is the light even of lights... |
| परमुच्यते | paramucyate | [term] in context of It is the light even of lights... |
| ज्ञानं | jñānaṃ | [term] in context of It is the light even of lights... |
| ज्ञेयं | jñeyaṃ | [term] in context of It is the light even of lights... |
| ज्ञानगम्यं | jñānagamyaṃ | [term] in context of It is the light even of lights... |
| हृदि | hṛdi | [term] in context of It is the light even of lights... |
| सर्वस्य | sarvasya | [term] in context of It is the light even of lights... |
| विष्ठितम् | viṣṭhitam | [term] in context of It is the light even of lights... |
| १७ | viṣṭhitam | [term] in context of It is the light even of lights... |
light
heart
[term] in context of It is the light even of lights...
[term] in context of It is the light even of lights...
[term] in context of It is the light even of lights...
[term] in context of It is the light even of lights...
[term] in context of It is the light even of lights...
[term] in context of It is the light even of lights...
[term] in context of It is the light even of lights...
[term] in context of It is the light even of lights...
[term] in context of It is the light even of lights...
[term] in context of It is the light even of lights...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Light conveys illumination and knowledge in this passage. The heart is the site of inward presence; the verse is not a claim about measurable physical light in an organ.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Let the search for understanding include attentive inward reflection."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can inward reflection deepen your understanding?
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.