Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.11
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
ये यथा मां प्रपद्यन्ते तांस्तथैव भजाम्यहम् । मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः ॥११॥
ye yathā māṃ prapadyante tāṃstathaiva bhajāmyaham | mama vartmānuvartante manuṣyāḥ pārtha sarvaśaḥ ||11||
Complete Shloka Translation
In whatever way people approach me, I respond to them accordingly. In every way, human beings follow my path, Partha.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| प्रपद्यन्ते | prapadyante | approach or take refuge |
| वर्त्म | vartma | path |
| ये | ye | [term] in context of In whatever way people approac... |
| यथा | yathā | [term] in context of In whatever way people approac... |
| मां | māṃ | [term] in context of In whatever way people approac... |
| तांस्तथैव | tāṃstathaiva | [term] in context of In whatever way people approac... |
| भजाम्यहम् | bhajāmyaham | [term] in context of In whatever way people approac... |
| मम | mama | [term] in context of In whatever way people approac... |
| वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते | vartmānuvartante | [term] in context of In whatever way people approac... |
| मनुष्याः | manuṣyāḥ | [term] in context of In whatever way people approac... |
| पार्थ | pārtha | [term] in context of In whatever way people approac... |
| सर्वशः | sarvaśaḥ | [term] in context of In whatever way people approac... |
| ११ | sarvaśaḥ | [term] in context of In whatever way people approac... |
approach or take refuge
path
[term] in context of In whatever way people approac...
[term] in context of In whatever way people approac...
[term] in context of In whatever way people approac...
[term] in context of In whatever way people approac...
[term] in context of In whatever way people approac...
[term] in context of In whatever way people approac...
[term] in context of In whatever way people approac...
[term] in context of In whatever way people approac...
[term] in context of In whatever way people approac...
[term] in context of In whatever way people approac...
[term] in context of In whatever way people approac...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna describes a response corresponding to each person's approach. The next verse distinguishes the pursuit of immediate results from deeper spiritual seeking.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Different intentions shape how people approach spiritual life."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What intention shapes your spiritual seeking today?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to kindle the fire of higher purpose in your work: burn away the anxiety of personal ego and petty doubts with the purifying flame of deep understanding, dedication, and service.