Bhagavad Gita · Verse 5.16
Chapter 5: Karma Sannyasa Yoga (कर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
ज्ञानेन तु तदज्ञानं येषां नाशितमात्मनः । तेषामादित्यवज्ज्ञानं प्रकाशयति तत्परम् ॥१६॥
jñānena tu tadajñānaṃ yeṣāṃ nāśitamātmanaḥ | teṣāmādityavajjñānaṃ prakāśayati tatparam ||16||
Complete Shloka Translation
For those whose ignorance of the self has been destroyed by knowledge, that knowledge illuminates the Supreme like the sun.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| आदित्यवत् | ādityavat | like the sun |
| प्रकाशयति | prakāśayati | illuminates |
| ज्ञानेन | jñānena | [term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t... |
| तु | tu | [term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t... |
| तदज्ञानं | tadajñānaṃ | [term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t... |
| येषां | yeṣāṃ | [term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t... |
| नाशितमात्मनः | nāśitamātmanaḥ | [term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t... |
| तेषामादित्यवज्ज्ञानं | teṣāmādityavajjñānaṃ | [term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t... |
| तत्परम् | tatparam | [term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t... |
| १६ | tatparam | [term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t... |
like the sun
illuminates
[term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t...
[term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t...
[term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t...
[term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t...
[term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t...
[term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t...
[term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t...
[term] in context of For those whose ignorance of t...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The sun image contrasts illuminating knowledge with the covering ignorance of 5.15. The Supreme is revealed through this understanding, rather than created by it.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Clarity can reveal what confusion had kept hidden."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What has become clearer through sustained learning?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master calm detachment in daily work: act with full excellence and sincerity, but like water sliding off a lotus leaf, let neither praise nor blame stain your inner composure.