Bhagavad Gita · Verse 9.18
Chapter 9: Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga (राजविद्याराजगुह्ययोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
गतिर्भर्ता प्रभुः साक्षी निवासः शरणं सुहृत् । प्रभवः प्रलयः स्थानं निधानं बीजमव्ययम् ॥१८॥
gatirbhartā prabhuḥ sākṣī nivāsaḥ śaraṇaṃ suhṛt | prabhavaḥ pralayaḥ sthānaṃ nidhānaṃ bījamavyayam ||18||
Complete Shloka Translation
I am the destination, sustainer, Lord, witness, dwelling, refuge and friend; the origin, dissolution, foundation, resting place and imperishable seed.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| शरणम् | śaraṇam | refuge |
| सुहृत् | suhṛt | well-wishing friend |
| गतिर्भर्ता | gatirbhartā | [term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine... |
| प्रभुः | prabhuḥ | [term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine... |
| साक्षी | sākṣī | [term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine... |
| निवासः | nivāsaḥ | [term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine... |
| शरणं | śaraṇaṃ | [term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine... |
| प्रभवः | prabhavaḥ | [term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine... |
| प्रलयः | pralayaḥ | [term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine... |
| स्थानं | sthānaṃ | [term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine... |
| निधानं | nidhānaṃ | [term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine... |
| बीजमव्ययम् | bījamavyayam | [term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine... |
| १८ | bījamavyayam | [term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine... |
refuge
well-wishing friend
[term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine...
[term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine...
[term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine...
[term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine...
[term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine...
[term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine...
[term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine...
[term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine...
[term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine...
[term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine...
[term] in context of I am the destination, sustaine...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The sequence presents Krishna through relationships of care, knowledge and cosmic sourcehood. These names support contemplation of the divine in many aspects without exhausting His nature.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Reflect on what refuge, friendship and support mean in your spiritual life."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What does spiritual refuge mean to you?
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.