Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 11 · Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 11.53 नाहं वेदैर्न तपसा न दानेन न चेज्यया
श्लोक 11.53
नाहं वेदैर्न तपसा न दानेन न चेज्यया ।
शक्य एवंविधो द्रष्टुं दृष्टवानसि मां यथा ॥
nāhaṃ vedairna tapasā na dānena na cejyayā |
śakya evaṃvidho draṣṭuṃ dṛṣṭavānasi māṃ yathā ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जिस प्रकार तुमने मुझे देखा है, उस प्रकार मुझे न वेदों से, न तप से, न दान से और न यज्ञ से देखा जा सकता है।
Meaning in English
Not through the Vedas, nor austerity, nor charity, nor sacrifice can I be seen in the way you have seen me.
Bhagavad Gita 11.53 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| न अहम् | na aham | not I |
| वेदैः | vedaiḥ | by the Vedas |
| न तपसा | na tapasā | not by austerity |
| न दानेन | na dānena | not by charity |
| न च इज्यया | na ca ijyayā | nor by worship, sacrifice |
| शक्यः | śakyaḥ | can be |
| एवंविधः | evaṃ-vidhaḥ | in this way |
| द्रष्टुम् | draṣṭum | to be seen |
| दृष्टवान् असि | dṛṣṭavān asi | you have seen |
| माम् | mām | me |
| यथा | yathā | as |
Explanation
Not by the Vedas, not by austerity, not by charity, nor by sacrifice can I be seen as you have seen me. Krishna repeats that no religious practice by itself can bring this vision. Such a vision is not something any practice can earn on its own.
The verse restates 11.48 almost word for word, a repetition commentators read as emphasis before the key teaching of 11.54. Study, discipline, giving and worship are all valued in the Gita, but they cannot compel the vision of God. Shankara sees here that the Lord is not an object produced by action; Ramanuja stresses that these practices are fruitful only when they are joined to devotion. The stage is set for naming the one means that succeeds.
भावार्थ
जिस रूप में तुमने मुझे देखा है, उस रूप में मुझे न वेदों से, न तप से, न दान से और न यज्ञ से ही देखा जा सकता है। कोई भी साधना अपने आप में इस दर्शन को खरीद नहीं सकती।
Living it today
Rituals and good deeds are valuable, but what opens the door is the heart with which you do them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 11.53?
Not by the Vedas, not by austerity, not by charity, nor by sacrifice can I be seen as you have seen me. Krishna repeats that no religious practice by itself can bring this vision. Such a vision is not something any practice can earn on its own.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 11.53?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 11 (Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 11.53 in daily life?
Rituals and good deeds are valuable, but what opens the door is the heart with which you do them.
Reflected on verse 11.53?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.