Bhagavad Gita · Verse 5.17
Chapter 5: Karma Sannyasa Yoga (कर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
तद्बुद्धयस्तदात्मानस्तन्निष्ठास्तत्परायणाः । गच्छन्त्यपुनरावृत्तिं ज्ञाननिर्धूतकल्मषाः ॥१७॥
tadbuddhayastadātmānastanniṣṭhāstatparāyaṇāḥ | gacchantyapunarāvṛttiṃ jñānanirdhūtakalmaṣāḥ ||17||
Complete Shloka Translation
With intellect directed to That, self absorbed in That, established in That and devoted to That, those whose impurities knowledge has removed reach the state of no return.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| तन्निष्ठाः | tanniṣṭhāḥ | established in That |
| अपुनरावृत्तिम् | apunarāvṛttim | non-return |
| तद्बुद्धयस्तदात्मानस्तन्निष्ठास्तत्परायणाः | tadbuddhayastadātmānastanniṣṭhāstatparāyaṇāḥ | [term] in context of With intellect directed to Tha... |
| गच्छन्त्यपुनरावृत्तिं | gacchantyapunarāvṛttiṃ | [term] in context of With intellect directed to Tha... |
| ज्ञाननिर्धूतकल्मषाः | jñānanirdhūtakalmaṣāḥ | [term] in context of With intellect directed to Tha... |
| १७ | jñānanirdhūtakalmaṣāḥ | [term] in context of With intellect directed to Tha... |
established in That
non-return
[term] in context of With intellect directed to Tha...
[term] in context of With intellect directed to Tha...
[term] in context of With intellect directed to Tha...
[term] in context of With intellect directed to Tha...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The repeated That refers back to the Supreme in 5.16. Knowledge and wholehearted orientation are linked with liberation from return to rebirth.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Sustained understanding involves attention, commitment, and orientation together."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can attention and commitment support your deepest aim?
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.