Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 13 · Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 13.18 ज्योतिषामपि तज्ज्योतिस्तमसः परमुच्यते
श्लोक 13.18
ज्योतिषामपि तज्ज्योतिस्तमसः परमुच्यते ।
ज्ञानं ज्ञेयं ज्ञानगम्यं हृदि सर्वस्य विष्ठितम् ॥
jyotiṣāmapi tajjyotistamasaḥ paramucyate |
jñānaṃ jñeyaṃ jñānagamyaṃ hṛdi sarvasya viṣṭhitam ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
वह सब ज्योतियों की भी ज्योति है और अंधकार से परे कहा गया है। वह ज्ञान है, ज्ञेय है और ज्ञान से प्राप्त होने वाला है; वह सबके हृदय में स्थित है।
Meaning in English
It is the light of all lights and is said to be beyond darkness. It is knowledge, the object of knowledge, and the goal reached through knowledge, seated in the hearts of all.
Bhagavad Gita 13.18 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ज्योतिषाम् | jyotiṣām | of lights |
| अपि | api | even |
| तत् | tat | that |
| ज्योतिः | jyotiḥ | the light |
| तमसः | tamasaḥ | darkness |
| परम् | param | beyond |
| उच्यते | ucyate | is said |
| ज्ञानम् | jñānam | knowledge |
| ज्ञेयम् | jñeyam | the object of knowledge |
| ज्ञानगम्यम् | jñāna-gamyam | reached through knowledge |
| हृदि | hṛdi | in the heart |
| सर्वस्य | sarvasya | of everyone |
| विष्ठितम् | viṣṭhitam | seated |
Explanation
It is the light of all lights and is said to be beyond darkness. It is knowledge, the object of knowledge and the goal reached by knowledge, and it is seated in the heart of every being. Brahman is the light by which every other light is known.
The sun, moon and fire shine, but consciousness is what lets us know they shine; this is the light of lights, an idea found in the Upanishads. Being beyond darkness, it is untouched by ignorance. Shankara notes that the three terms correspond to the qualities of knowledge listed earlier, the reality to be known, and the realisation they lead to. The closing words bring the vast Brahman home: it dwells in every heart.
भावार्थ
वह ज्योतियों की भी ज्योति और अन्धकार से परे कहा जाता है। वह ज्ञान है, ज्ञेय है, ज्ञान से प्राप्त होने योग्य है, और सबके हृदय में स्थित है। वही सबको प्रकाशित करने वाली चेतना है।
Living it today
On dark days, remember there is a light in you that is aware even of the darkness. Rest in that awareness for a moment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 13.18?
It is the light of all lights and is said to be beyond darkness. It is knowledge, the object of knowledge and the goal reached by knowledge, and it is seated in the heart of every being. Brahman is the light by which every other light is known.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 13.18?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 13 (Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 13.18 in daily life?
On dark days, remember there is a light in you that is aware even of the darkness. Rest in that awareness for a moment.
Reflected on verse 13.18?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.