Bhagavad Gita · Verse 2.46
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga (सांख्ययोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
यावानर्थ उदपाने सर्वतः सम्प्लुतोदके । तावान्सर्वेषु वेदेषु ब्राह्मणस्य विजानतः ॥४६॥
yāvānartha udapāne sarvataḥ samplutodake | tāvānsarveṣu vedeṣu brāhmaṇasya vijānataḥ ||46||
Complete Shloka Translation
Whatever purpose a well serves is fulfilled by water flooding everywhere. So is the purpose of all the Vedas fulfilled for a brahmana who knows.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| उदपाने | udapāne | in a well |
| विजानतः | vijānataḥ | of one who knows |
| यावानर्थ | yāvānartha | [term] in context of Whatever purpose a well serves... |
| सर्वतः | sarvataḥ | [term] in context of Whatever purpose a well serves... |
| सम्प्लुतोदके | samplutodake | [term] in context of Whatever purpose a well serves... |
| तावान्सर्वेषु | tāvānsarveṣu | [term] in context of Whatever purpose a well serves... |
| वेदेषु | vedeṣu | [term] in context of Whatever purpose a well serves... |
| ब्राह्मणस्य | brāhmaṇasya | [term] in context of Whatever purpose a well serves... |
| ४६ | vijānataḥ | [term] in context of Whatever purpose a well serves... |
in a well
of one who knows
[term] in context of Whatever purpose a well serves...
[term] in context of Whatever purpose a well serves...
[term] in context of Whatever purpose a well serves...
[term] in context of Whatever purpose a well serves...
[term] in context of Whatever purpose a well serves...
[term] in context of Whatever purpose a well serves...
[term] in context of Whatever purpose a well serves...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The analogy suggests fulfillment of lesser purposes within realization. Interpretations vary; brahmana here is retained as the Sanskrit term, with emphasis on knowing rather than a modern social ranking.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"The water image contrasts limited means with a more encompassing understanding."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
When does broader understanding fulfill a purpose once served by a limited means?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse when facing identity crisis or fear of failure: distinguish the unchanging inner self from transient life situations, and act with full dedication without anxiety over the final outcome.