Bhagavad Gita · Verse 8.3
Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma Yoga (अक्षर ब्रह्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अक्षरं ब्रह्म परमं स्वभावोऽध्यात्ममुच्यते । भूतभावोद्भवकरो विसर्गः कर्मसंज्ञितः ॥३॥
akṣaraṃ brahma paramaṃ svabhāvo'dhyātmamucyate | bhūtabhāvodbhavakaro visargaḥ karmasaṃjñitaḥ ||3||
Complete Shloka Translation
The supreme imperishable is Brahman; one's own nature is called adhyatma. The outgoing offering that brings forth the existence of beings is named karma.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अक्षरम् | akṣaram | imperishable |
| विसर्गः | visargaḥ | outgoing offering or creative release |
| अक्षरं | akṣaraṃ | [term] in context of The supreme imperishable is Br... |
| ब्रह्म | brahma | [term] in context of The supreme imperishable is Br... |
| परमं | paramaṃ | [term] in context of The supreme imperishable is Br... |
| स्वभावोऽध्यात्ममुच्यते | svabhāvo'dhyātmamucyate | [term] in context of The supreme imperishable is Br... |
| भूतभावोद्भवकरो | bhūtabhāvodbhavakaro | [term] in context of The supreme imperishable is Br... |
| कर्मसंज्ञितः | karmasaṃjñitaḥ | [term] in context of The supreme imperishable is Br... |
imperishable
outgoing offering or creative release
[term] in context of The supreme imperishable is Br...
[term] in context of The supreme imperishable is Br...
[term] in context of The supreme imperishable is Br...
[term] in context of The supreme imperishable is Br...
[term] in context of The supreme imperishable is Br...
[term] in context of The supreme imperishable is Br...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna answers the first three questions with compact definitions. Svabhava and the creative offering called visarga receive different explanations across traditions; karma here is more specific than an everyday use of the word action.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Understand a key term in its context before building conclusions upon it."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Where might a contextual definition change your understanding?
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.