Bhagavad Gita · Verse 15.8
Chapter 15: Purushottama Yoga (पुरुषोत्तमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
शरीरं यदवाप्नोति यच्चाप्युत्क्रामतीश्वरः । गृहीत्वैतानि संयाति वायुर्गन्धानिवाशयात् ॥८॥
śarīraṃ yadavāpnoti yaccāpyutkrāmatīśvaraḥ | gṛhītvaitāni saṃyāti vāyurgandhānivāśayāt ||8||
Complete Shloka Translation
When the embodied lord acquires a body and when it leaves one, it takes these along as it goes, as the wind carries fragrances from their dwelling places.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| शरीर | śarīra | body |
| गन्ध | gandha | fragrance |
| शरीरं | śarīraṃ | [term] in context of When the embodied lord acquire... |
| यदवाप्नोति | yadavāpnoti | [term] in context of When the embodied lord acquire... |
| यच्चाप्युत्क्रामतीश्वरः | yaccāpyutkrāmatīśvaraḥ | [term] in context of When the embodied lord acquire... |
| गृहीत्वैतानि | gṛhītvaitāni | [term] in context of When the embodied lord acquire... |
| संयाति | saṃyāti | [term] in context of When the embodied lord acquire... |
| वायुर्गन्धानिवाशयात् | vāyurgandhānivāśayāt | [term] in context of When the embodied lord acquire... |
body
fragrance
[term] in context of When the embodied lord acquire...
[term] in context of When the embodied lord acquire...
[term] in context of When the embodied lord acquire...
[term] in context of When the embodied lord acquire...
[term] in context of When the embodied lord acquire...
[term] in context of When the embodied lord acquire...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The wind-fragrance comparison illustrates the jiva carrying subtle faculties between bodies in the traditional account of rebirth. These refers back to the mind and senses of 15.7, not to the gross physical organs being transported.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Consider how subtle habits accompany you even when circumstances change."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which habits accompany you through changing circumstances?
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.