Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.24
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविर्ब्रह्माग्नौ ब्रह्मणा हुतम् । ब्रह्मैव तेन गन्तव्यं ब्रह्मकर्मसमाधिना ॥२४॥
brahmārpaṇaṃ brahma havirbrahmāgnau brahmaṇā hutam | brahmaiva tena gantavyaṃ brahmakarmasamādhinā ||24||
Complete Shloka Translation
Brahman is the offering instrument, Brahman the oblation, offered by Brahman into the fire of Brahman. Brahman alone is attained by one absorbed in action as Brahman.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ब्रह्म | brahma | the Supreme Reality (Brahman) |
| अर्पणम् | arpaṇam | the act of offering / ladle |
| ब्रह्म हविः | brahma haviḥ | the oblation / clarified butter is Brahman |
| ब्रह्म-अग्नौ | brahma-agnau | into the sacred fire of Brahman |
| ब्रह्मणा | brahmaṇā | by Brahman (the sacrificer) |
| हुतम् | hutam | is offered / poured |
| ब्रह्म एव | brahma eva | unto Brahman alone |
| तेन | tena | by that seeker |
| गन्तव्यम् | gantavyam | is to be attained / realized |
| ब्रह्म-कर्म-समाधिना | brahma-karma-samādhinā | by one completely absorbed in Brahman through action |
the Supreme Reality (Brahman)
the act of offering / ladle
the oblation / clarified butter is Brahman
into the sacred fire of Brahman
by Brahman (the sacrificer)
is offered / poured
unto Brahman alone
by that seeker
is to be attained / realized
by one completely absorbed in Brahman through action
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The sacrificial image sees instrument, offering, fire, agent, and goal through Brahman. Arpanam is read as the offering instrument; the nature of this unity receives differing philosophical explanations.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Seeing beyond possessiveness can change the meaning of ordinary action."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How might seeing beyond ownership change your way of working?
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.