Bhagavad Gita · Verse 8.11
Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma Yoga (अक्षर ब्रह्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
यदक्षरं वेदविदो वदन्ति विशन्ति यद्यतयो वीतरागाः । यदिच्छन्तो ब्रह्मचर्यं चरन्ति तत्ते पदं सङ्ग्रहेण प्रवक्ष्ये ॥११॥
yadakṣaraṃ vedavido vadanti viśanti yadyatayo vītarāgāḥ | yadicchanto brahmacaryaṃ caranti tatte padaṃ saṅgraheṇa pravakṣye ||11||
Complete Shloka Translation
I will briefly explain to you that goal which knowers of the Vedas call imperishable, which ascetics free from attachment enter, and desiring which they practice brahmacharya.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| वीतरागाः | vītarāgāḥ | free from attachment |
| ब्रह्मचर्यम् | brahmacaryam | the traditional vow of disciplined restraint |
| यदक्षरं | yadakṣaraṃ | [term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ... |
| वेदविदो | vedavido | [term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ... |
| वदन्ति | vadanti | [term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ... |
| विशन्ति | viśanti | [term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ... |
| यद्यतयो | yadyatayo | [term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ... |
| यदिच्छन्तो | yadicchanto | [term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ... |
| ब्रह्मचर्यं | brahmacaryaṃ | [term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ... |
| चरन्ति | caranti | [term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ... |
| तत्ते | tatte | [term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ... |
| पदं | padaṃ | [term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ... |
| सङ्ग्रहेण | saṅgraheṇa | [term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ... |
| प्रवक्ष्ये | pravakṣye | [term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ... |
| ११ | pravakṣye | [term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ... |
free from attachment
the traditional vow of disciplined restraint
[term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ...
[term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ...
[term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ...
[term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ...
[term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ...
[term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ...
[term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ...
[term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ...
[term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ...
[term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ...
[term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ...
[term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ...
[term] in context of I will briefly explain to you ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna introduces the imperishable goal before describing a traditional method of concentration. Brahmacharya is retained as the vow of disciplined restraint associated with these seekers.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Let your chosen discipline be guided by a clearly understood aim."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which aim gives meaning to your chosen discipline?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.