Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 12 · Bhakti Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 12.12 श्रेयो हि ज्ञानमभ्यासाज्ज्ञानाद्ध्यानं
श्लोक 12.12
श्रेयो हि ज्ञानमभ्यासाज्ज्ञानाद्ध्यानं विशिष्यते ।
ध्यानात्कर्मफलत्यागस्त्यागाच्छान्तिरनन्तरम् ॥
śreyo hi jñānamabhyāsājjñānāddhyānaṃ viśiṣyate |
dhyānātkarmaphalatyāgastyāgācchāntiranantaram ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
केवल अभ्यास से ज्ञान श्रेष्ठ है, ज्ञान से ध्यान श्रेष्ठ है, और ध्यान से कर्मफल का त्याग श्रेष्ठ है, क्योंकि त्याग से तुरंत शांति मिलती है।
Meaning in English
Knowledge is better than mere practice; meditation is better than knowledge; giving up the fruits of action is better than meditation, for peace immediately follows such renunciation.
Bhagavad Gita 12.12 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| श्रेयः हि | śreyaḥ hi | better indeed |
| ज्ञानम् | jñānam | knowledge |
| अभ्यासात् | abhyāsāt | than practice |
| ज्ञानात् | jñānāt | than knowledge |
| ध्यानम् विशिष्यते | dhyānam viśiṣyate | meditation is better |
| ध्यानात् | dhyānāt | than meditation |
| कर्म-फल-त्यागः | karma-phala-tyāgaḥ | giving up the fruits of action |
| त्यागात् | tyāgāt | from renunciation |
| शान्तिः अनन्तरम् | śāntiḥ anantaram | peace immediately |
Explanation
Knowledge is better than mere practice; meditation is better than knowledge; giving up the fruits of action is better than meditation — for from such renunciation, peace comes at once.
A surprising conclusion: letting go of attachment to results brings immediate peace, even more than knowledge or meditation alone, because it frees the heart here and now.
भावार्थ
अभ्यास से ज्ञान श्रेष्ठ है, ज्ञान से ध्यान श्रेष्ठ है, और ध्यान से कर्मफल का त्याग श्रेष्ठ है; क्योंकि त्याग से तत्काल शान्ति मिलती है।
Living it today
When you feel anxious about an outcome, release it consciously — notice the peace that follows.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 12.12?
Knowledge is better than mere practice; meditation is better than knowledge; giving up the fruits of action is better than meditation — for from such renunciation, peace comes at once.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 12.12?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 12 (Bhakti Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 12.12 in daily life?
When you feel anxious about an outcome, release it consciously — notice the peace that follows.
Reflected on verse 12.12?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.