Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.6
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अजोऽपि सन्नव्ययात्मा भूतानामीश्वरोऽपि सन् । प्रकृतिं स्वामधिष्ठाय सम्भवाम्यात्ममायया ॥६॥
ajo'pi sannavyayātmā bhūtānāmīśvaro'pi san | prakṛtiṃ svāmadhiṣṭhāya sambhavāmyātmamāyayā ||6||
Complete Shloka Translation
Though unborn, imperishable in self, and Lord of beings, I manifest through my own maya, presiding over my own nature.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अजः | ajaḥ | unborn |
| आत्ममायया | ātmamāyayā | through one's own maya |
| अजोऽपि | ajo'pi | [term] in context of Though unborn, imperishable in... |
| सन्नव्ययात्मा | sannavyayātmā | [term] in context of Though unborn, imperishable in... |
| भूतानामीश्वरोऽपि | bhūtānāmīśvaro'pi | [term] in context of Though unborn, imperishable in... |
| सन् | san | [term] in context of Though unborn, imperishable in... |
| प्रकृतिं | prakṛtiṃ | [term] in context of Though unborn, imperishable in... |
| स्वामधिष्ठाय | svāmadhiṣṭhāya | [term] in context of Though unborn, imperishable in... |
| सम्भवाम्यात्ममायया | sambhavāmyātmamāyayā | [term] in context of Though unborn, imperishable in... |
unborn
through one's own maya
[term] in context of Though unborn, imperishable in...
[term] in context of Though unborn, imperishable in...
[term] in context of Though unborn, imperishable in...
[term] in context of Though unborn, imperishable in...
[term] in context of Though unborn, imperishable in...
[term] in context of Though unborn, imperishable in...
[term] in context of Though unborn, imperishable in...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna distinguishes his manifestation from ordinary compelled rebirth. Maya names his own power here; its precise relation to divine nature varies across commentaries.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Spiritual study invites care in distinguishing appearance from essential nature."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which distinction between appearance and nature needs closer study?
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.