Bhagavad Gita · Verse 7.5
Chapter 7: Jnana Vijnana Yoga (ज्ञानविज्ञानयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अपरेयमितस्त्वन्यां प्रकृतिं विद्धि मे पराम् । जीवभूतां महाबाहो ययेदं धार्यते जगत् ॥५॥
apareyamitastvanyāṃ prakṛtiṃ viddhi me parām | jīvabhūtāṃ mahābāho yayedaṃ dhāryate jagat ||5||
Complete Shloka Translation
This is the lower nature. O mighty-armed one, know My other, higher nature, which takes the form of living beings and sustains this world.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अपरा | aparā | inferior / material energy |
| इयम् | iyam | this |
| इतः तु | itaḥ tu | beyond this however |
| अन्याम् | anyām | another superior |
| प्रकृतिम् | prakṛtim | spiritual nature |
| विद्धि | viddhi | know / realize |
| मे | me | My |
| पराम् | parām | higher / transcendental |
| जीव-भूताम् | jīva-bhūtām | comprising the living conscious souls |
| महाबाहो | mahā-bāho | O mighty-armed Arjuna |
| यया | yayā | by which |
| इदम् | idam | this entire universe |
| धार्यते | dhāryate | is sustained and animated |
| जगत् | jagat | the cosmos |
inferior / material energy
this
beyond this however
another superior
spiritual nature
know / realize
My
higher / transcendental
comprising the living conscious souls
O mighty-armed Arjuna
by which
this entire universe
is sustained and animated
the cosmos
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna distinguishes the living principle from the eightfold lower nature. Philosophical traditions explain the relation of this higher nature, individual selves and Krishna differently.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Recognizing living beings invites care beyond the use of material things."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can awareness of living beings change your choices?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to look beneath external appearances in your daily life: see the underlying divine spark and interconnectedness in everyone, and seek refuge in timeless values rather than chasing fleeting superficial illusions.