Bhagavad Gita · Verse 16.8
Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (दैवासुरसम्पद्विभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
असत्यमप्रतिष्ठं ते जगदाहुरनीश्वरम् । अपरस्परसम्भूतं किमन्यत्कामहैतुकम् ॥८॥
asatyamapratiṣṭhaṃ te jagadāhuranīśvaram | aparasparasambhūtaṃ kimanyatkāmahaitukam ||8||
Complete Shloka Translation
They say the world has no truth, no foundation and no Lord, that it arises from mutual union alone: what other cause could there be but desire?
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अनीश्वर | anīśvara | without a Lord |
| कामहैतुक | kāmahaituka | caused by desire |
| असत्यमप्रतिष्ठं | asatyamapratiṣṭhaṃ | [term] in context of They say the world has no trut... |
| ते | te | [term] in context of They say the world has no trut... |
| जगदाहुरनीश्वरम् | jagadāhuranīśvaram | [term] in context of They say the world has no trut... |
| अपरस्परसम्भूतं | aparasparasambhūtaṃ | [term] in context of They say the world has no trut... |
| किमन्यत्कामहैतुकम् | kimanyatkāmahaitukam | [term] in context of They say the world has no trut... |
without a Lord
caused by desire
[term] in context of They say the world has no trut...
[term] in context of They say the world has no trut...
[term] in context of They say the world has no trut...
[term] in context of They say the world has no trut...
[term] in context of They say the world has no trut...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna is reporting a worldview he criticizes, not endorsing these statements. The disputed phrase about mutual union has differing explanations; the passage's ethical concern is an outlook that makes desire sufficient and dismisses a deeper order, not a modern scientific debate.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Examine whether your worldview leaves room for truth and responsibility."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Does your view of life support responsibility toward others?
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.