Bhagavad Gita · Verse 15.11
Chapter 15: Purushottama Yoga (पुरुषोत्तमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
यतन्तो योगिनश्चैनं पश्यन्त्यात्मन्यवस्थितम् । यतन्तोऽप्यकृतात्मानो नैनं पश्यन्त्यचेतसः ॥११॥
yatanto yoginaścainaṃ paśyantyātmanyavasthitam | yatanto'pyakṛtātmāno nainaṃ paśyantyacetasaḥ ||11||
Complete Shloka Translation
Striving yogis perceive this self abiding within themselves. Even while striving, those whose inner selves are unprepared and who lack discernment do not perceive it.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| योगिन् | yogin | yogic practitioner |
| यतन्त | yatanta | striving |
| यतन्तो | yatanto | [term] in context of Striving yogis perceive this s... |
| योगिनश्चैनं | yoginaścainaṃ | [term] in context of Striving yogis perceive this s... |
| पश्यन्त्यात्मन्यवस्थितम् | paśyantyātmanyavasthitam | [term] in context of Striving yogis perceive this s... |
| यतन्तोऽप्यकृतात्मानो | yatanto'pyakṛtātmāno | [term] in context of Striving yogis perceive this s... |
| नैनं | nainaṃ | [term] in context of Striving yogis perceive this s... |
| पश्यन्त्यचेतसः | paśyantyacetasaḥ | [term] in context of Striving yogis perceive this s... |
| ११ | paśyantyacetasaḥ | [term] in context of Striving yogis perceive this s... |
yogic practitioner
striving
[term] in context of Striving yogis perceive this s...
[term] in context of Striving yogis perceive this s...
[term] in context of Striving yogis perceive this s...
[term] in context of Striving yogis perceive this s...
[term] in context of Striving yogis perceive this s...
[term] in context of Striving yogis perceive this s...
[term] in context of Striving yogis perceive this s...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Effort alone is distinguished from a prepared inner life. The verse links insight with yogic discipline and discernment, encouraging sustained cultivation rather than measuring spiritual worth by one unsuccessful attempt.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Combine effort with the patient cultivation of inner clarity."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can you prepare your inner life alongside making effort?
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.