Bhagavad Gita · Verse 6.38
Chapter 6: Atma Sanyama Yoga (Dhyana Yoga) (आत्मसंयमयोगः)
(Arjuna said)
कच्चिन्नोभयविभ्रष्टश्छिन्नाभ्रमिव नश्यति । अप्रतिष्ठो महाबाहो विमूढो ब्रह्मणः पथि ॥३८॥
kaccinnobhayavibhraṣṭaśchinnābhramiva naśyati | apratiṣṭho mahābāho vimūḍho brahmaṇaḥ pathi ||38||
Complete Shloka Translation
Does that person, fallen from both paths, perish like a broken cloud, without support and confused on the path to Brahman, mighty-armed one?
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| छिन्नाभ्रम् | chinnābhram | broken cloud |
| अप्रतिष्ठः | apratiṣṭhaḥ | without support |
| कच्चिन्नोभयविभ्रष्टश्छिन्नाभ्रमिव | kaccinnobhayavibhraṣṭaśchinnābhramiva | [term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ... |
| नश्यति | naśyati | [term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ... |
| अप्रतिष्ठो | apratiṣṭho | [term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ... |
| महाबाहो | mahābāho | [term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ... |
| विमूढो | vimūḍho | [term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ... |
| ब्रह्मणः | brahmaṇaḥ | [term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ... |
| पथि | pathi | [term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ... |
| ३८ | pathi | [term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ... |
broken cloud
without support
[term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ...
[term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ...
[term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ...
[term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ...
[term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ...
[term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ...
[term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ...
[term] in context of Does that person, fallen from ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The broken cloud expresses fear of losing both worldly and spiritual footing. It is Arjuna's question, not Krishna's verdict on the seeker's fate.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"A setback can feel like losing every source of direction."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
When a setback feels disorienting, what support remains available?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master mental clarity and resilience: when your mind wanders into anxiety or distraction, gently bring it back without judgment, maintaining balance in food, sleep, work, and mindful reflection.