Bhagavad Gita · Verse 8.21
Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma Yoga (अक्षर ब्रह्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अव्यक्तोऽक्षर इत्युक्तस्तमाहुः परमां गतिम् । यं प्राप्य न निवर्तन्ते तद्धाम परमं मम ॥२१॥
avyakto'kṣara ityuktastamāhuḥ paramāṃ gatim | yaṃ prāpya na nivartante taddhāma paramaṃ mama ||21||
Complete Shloka Translation
That is called unmanifest and imperishable, and is spoken of as the supreme destination. Having reached it, one does not return; that is My supreme abode.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अक्षरः | akṣaraḥ | imperishable |
| धाम | dhāma | abode or state |
| अव्यक्तोऽक्षर | avyakto'kṣara | [term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ... |
| इत्युक्तस्तमाहुः | ityuktastamāhuḥ | [term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ... |
| परमां | paramāṃ | [term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ... |
| गतिम् | gatim | [term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ... |
| यं | yaṃ | [term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ... |
| प्राप्य | prāpya | [term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ... |
| निवर्तन्ते | na | [term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ... |
| तद्धाम | nivartante | [term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ... |
| परमं | taddhāma | [term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ... |
| मम | paramaṃ | [term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ... |
| २१ | mama | [term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ... |
imperishable
abode or state
[term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ...
[term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ...
[term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ...
[term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ...
[term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ...
[term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ...
[term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ...
[term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ...
[term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ...
[term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ...
[term] in context of That is called unmanifest and ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
This continues 8.20 by naming the imperishable destination and Krishna's supreme abode. Dhama can signify abode or state; its relation to liberation receives tradition-specific accounts.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Keep the ultimate aim in view when temporary rewards compete for attention."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What helps keep your ultimate aim in view?
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.