Bhagavad Gita · Verse 8.16
Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma Yoga (अक्षर ब्रह्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
आ ब्रह्मभुवनाल्लोकाः पुनरावर्तिनोऽर्जुन । मामुपेत्य तु कौन्तेय पुनर्जन्म न विद्यते ॥१६॥
ā brahmabhuvanāllokāḥ punarāvartino'rjuna | māmupetya tu kaunteya punarjanma na vidyate ||16||
Complete Shloka Translation
O Arjuna, all worlds up to Brahma's world are subject to return. But, O son of Kunti, after reaching Me there is no rebirth.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ब्रह्मभुवनात् | brahmabhuvanāt | up to Brahma's world |
| पुनरावर्तिनः | punarāvartinaḥ | subject to return |
| ब्रह्मभुवनाल्लोकाः | brahmabhuvanāllokāḥ | [term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra... |
| पुनरावर्तिनोऽर्जुन | punarāvartino'rjuna | [term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra... |
| मामुपेत्य | māmupetya | [term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra... |
| तु | tu | [term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra... |
| कौन्तेय | kaunteya | [term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra... |
| पुनर्जन्म | punarjanma | [term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra... |
| विद्यते | na | [term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra... |
| १६ | vidyate | [term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra... |
up to Brahma's world
subject to return
[term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra...
[term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra...
[term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra...
[term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra...
[term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra...
[term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra...
[term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra...
[term] in context of O Arjuna, all worlds up to Bra...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Brahma's world is the creator deity's realm, distinct from Brahman as a philosophical term. Krishna contrasts even this exalted realm with liberation through reaching Him.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Consider the limits even of the highest temporary achievement."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which temporary achievement do you treat as ultimate?
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.