Bhagavad Gita · Verse 8.17
Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma Yoga (अक्षर ब्रह्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
सहस्रयुगपर्यन्तमहर्यद्ब्रह्मणो विदुः । रात्रिं युगसहस्रान्तां तेऽहोरात्रविदो जनाः ॥१७॥
sahasrayugaparyantamaharyadbrahmaṇo viduḥ | rātriṃ yugasahasrāntāṃ te'horātravido janāḥ ||17||
Complete Shloka Translation
Those who know that Brahma's day lasts a thousand yugas and his night a thousand yugas understand this day and night.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| सहस्रयुगपर्यन्तम् | sahasrayugaparyantam | lasting a thousand yugas |
| अहोरात्र | ahorātra | day and night |
| सहस्रयुगपर्यन्तमहर्यद्ब्रह्मणो | sahasrayugaparyantamaharyadbrahmaṇo | [term] in context of Those who know that Brahma's d... |
| विदुः | viduḥ | [term] in context of Those who know that Brahma's d... |
| रात्रिं | rātriṃ | [term] in context of Those who know that Brahma's d... |
| युगसहस्रान्तां | yugasahasrāntāṃ | [term] in context of Those who know that Brahma's d... |
| तेऽहोरात्रविदो | te'horātravido | [term] in context of Those who know that Brahma's d... |
| जनाः | janāḥ | [term] in context of Those who know that Brahma's d... |
| १७ | janāḥ | [term] in context of Those who know that Brahma's d... |
lasting a thousand yugas
day and night
[term] in context of Those who know that Brahma's d...
[term] in context of Those who know that Brahma's d...
[term] in context of Those who know that Brahma's d...
[term] in context of Those who know that Brahma's d...
[term] in context of Those who know that Brahma's d...
[term] in context of Those who know that Brahma's d...
[term] in context of Those who know that Brahma's d...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The day and night refer to Brahma's cosmic cycles, not ordinary human days. This traditional cosmology frames the arising and dissolution explained next, without supplying a modern scientific chronology.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"A wider perspective on time can soften attachment to immediate concerns."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How might a wider view of time change an immediate concern?
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.