Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.32
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
एवं बहुविधा यज्ञा वितता ब्रह्मणो मुखे । कर्मजान्विद्धि तान्सर्वानेवं ज्ञात्वा विमोक्ष्यसे ॥३२॥
evaṃ bahuvidhā yajñā vitatā brahmaṇo mukhe | karmajānviddhi tānsarvānevaṃ jñātvā vimokṣyase ||32||
Complete Shloka Translation
Thus many forms of sacrifice are set forth in the mouth of Brahman. Know them all as born of action; knowing this, you will be liberated.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| बहुविधाः | bahuvidhāḥ | of many kinds |
| कर्मजान् | karmajān | born of action |
| एवं | evaṃ | [term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a... |
| बहुविधा | bahuvidhā | [term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a... |
| यज्ञा | yajñā | [term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a... |
| वितता | vitatā | [term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a... |
| ब्रह्मणो | brahmaṇo | [term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a... |
| मुखे | mukhe | [term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a... |
| कर्मजान्विद्धि | karmajānviddhi | [term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a... |
| तान्सर्वानेवं | tānsarvānevaṃ | [term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a... |
| ज्ञात्वा | jñātvā | [term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a... |
| विमोक्ष्यसे | vimokṣyase | [term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a... |
| ३२ | vimokṣyase | [term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a... |
of many kinds
born of action
[term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a...
[term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a...
[term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a...
[term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a...
[term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a...
[term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a...
[term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a...
[term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a...
[term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a...
[term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a...
[term] in context of Thus many forms of sacrifice a...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The mouth of Brahman is commonly explained here as the Veda, where sacrifices are taught. Their origin in action prepares the comparison with the sacrifice of knowledge.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Understanding the purpose of a practice matters as much as performing it."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Do you understand the purpose of a practice you repeat?
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.