Bhagavad Gita · Verse 8.2
Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma Yoga (अक्षर ब्रह्मयोगः)
(Arjuna said)
अधियज्ञः कथं कोऽत्र देहेऽस्मिन्मधुसूदन । प्रयाणकाले च कथं ज्ञेयोऽसि नियतात्मभिः ॥२॥
adhiyajñaḥ kathaṃ ko'tra dehe'sminmadhusūdana | prayāṇakāle ca kathaṃ jñeyo'si niyatātmabhiḥ ||2||
Complete Shloka Translation
O Madhusudana, who is adhiyajna here, and how is that presence in this body? How are You to be known at the time of departure by those who have mastered themselves?
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अधियज्ञः | adhiyajñaḥ | principle presiding over sacrifice |
| नियतात्मभिः | niyatātmabhiḥ | by those who have mastered themselves |
| कथं | kathaṃ | [term] in context of O Madhusudana, who is adhiyajn... |
| कोऽत्र | ko'tra | [term] in context of O Madhusudana, who is adhiyajn... |
| देहेऽस्मिन्मधुसूदन | dehe'sminmadhusūdana | [term] in context of O Madhusudana, who is adhiyajn... |
| प्रयाणकाले | prayāṇakāle | [term] in context of O Madhusudana, who is adhiyajn... |
| ज्ञेयोऽसि | kathaṃ | [term] in context of O Madhusudana, who is adhiyajn... |
principle presiding over sacrifice
by those who have mastered themselves
[term] in context of O Madhusudana, who is adhiyajn...
[term] in context of O Madhusudana, who is adhiyajn...
[term] in context of O Madhusudana, who is adhiyajn...
[term] in context of O Madhusudana, who is adhiyajn...
[term] in context of O Madhusudana, who is adhiyajn...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Arjuna adds the principle of sacrifice and knowledge of Krishna at death. The chapter's answers will connect definitions with remembrance, disciplined practice and devotion.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Bring your questions about practice together with your questions about meaning."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What question about practice accompanies your search for meaning?
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.