Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 7 Jnana Vijnana Yogah

तपस्विभ्योऽधिको योगी ज्ञानिभ्योऽपि मतोऽधिक: |
कर्मिभ्यश्चाधिको योगी तस्माद्योगी भवार्जुन ||46||

The yogi is superior to ascetics, superior to scholars, and superior to ritualists. Therefore, O Arjuna, be a yogi.

Tapasvibhyaḥ: More than ascetics.
Karmibhyaḥ: More than performers of actions.

Krishna declares the yogi superior to other paths of asceticism, ritualism, or scholarship. This verse establishes yoga as the most effective means of self-realization.

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योगिनामपि सर्वेषां मद्गतेनान्तरात्मना |
श्रद्धावान्भजते यो मां स मे युक्ततमो मत: ||47||

Among all yogis, the one with faith who always worships Me with heart and soul absorbed in Me is considered the highest.

Śraddhāvān: One with faith.
Mad-gata: Absorbed in Me.

Faith and devotion are presented as the highest forms of yoga. Krishna concludes by affirming that those who love and worship Him wholeheartedly are the most evolved yogis.

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Chapter 7

Jnana Vijnana Yogah

श्रीभगवानुवाच मय्यासक्तमना: पार्थ योगं युञ्जन्मदाश्रय: |
असंशयं समग्रं मां यथा ज्ञास्यसि तच्छृणु ||1||

The Blessed Lord said: With your mind attached to Me, Arjuna, practicing yoga, and taking shelter in Me, you will without doubt know Me completely.

Yogam: Union with the divine.
Madashrayah: Taking refuge in Me.
Samagram: Completely or fully.

Krishna begins by addressing Arjuna’s initial attachment to understanding the ultimate path. Here, Krishna sets the stage for unveiling a holistic approach that harmonizes devotion, knowledge, and action, assuring Arjuna that such a path can lead to the ultimate truth without confusion.

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ज्ञानं तेऽहं सविज्ञानमिदं वक्ष्याम्यशेषत: |
यज्ज्ञात्वा नेह भूयोऽन्यज्ज्ञातव्यमवशिष्यते ||2||

I shall now explain to you fully this knowledge and wisdom, knowing which nothing else remains to be known in this world.

Vijnanam: Knowledge with realization.
Asheshatah: Without any remainder.
Jnatva: Having known or realized.

This shloka expands on the completeness of divine knowledge. Krishna emphasizes the transformational nature of wisdom that leaves no room for further doubt, building on the promise of enlightenment offered in the prior verses.

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मनुष्याणां सहस्रेषु कश्चिद्यतति सिद्धये |
यततामपि सिद्धानां कश्चिन्मां वेत्ति तत्त्वत: ||3||

Among thousands of men, hardly one strives for perfection, and among those who strive, hardly one knows Me in truth.

Sahasreshu: Among thousands.
Siddhaye: For perfection or success.
Tattvatah: In essence or truth.

Highlighting human striving for perfection, Krishna acknowledges the rarity of individuals who truly understand the essence of divinity. This sets the tone for appreciating the extraordinary effort and grace needed to comprehend higher spiritual truths.

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भूमिरापोऽनलो वायु: खं मनो बुद्धिरेव च |
अहङ्कार इतीयं मे भिन्ना प्रकृतिरष्टधा ||4||

Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intellect, and ego—these are My eightfold separated energies.

Prakriti: Nature or material energy.
Ashtadha: Eightfold or in eight parts.
Bhinna: Separated or distinct.

Krishna introduces the concept of material energy as distinct aspects of His creation. These eightfold energies provide a framework for understanding the diversity of creation while hinting at the deeper spiritual reality beyond matter.

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