Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 18 · Moksha Sannyasa Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 18.30 प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च कार्याकार्ये भयाभये
श्लोक 18.30
प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च कार्याकार्ये भयाभये ।
बन्धं मोक्षं च या वेत्ति बुद्धिः सा पार्थ सात्त्विकी ॥
pravṛttiṃ ca nivṛttiṃ ca kāryākārye bhayābhaye |
bandhaṃ mokṣaṃ ca yā vetti buddhiḥ sā pārtha sāttvikī ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
हे पार्थ! जो बुद्धि प्रवृत्ति और निवृत्ति, कर्तव्य और अकर्तव्य, भय और अभय, तथा बंधन और मोक्ष को ठीक-ठीक जानती है, वह सात्त्विक है।
Meaning in English
The understanding that knows when to act and when to refrain, what should and should not be done, what to fear and what not to fear, and what binds and what frees, O Partha, is sattvic.
Bhagavad Gita 18.30 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| प्रवृत्तिम् | pravṛttim | the path of action |
| च | ca | and |
| निवृत्तिम् | nivṛttim | the path of withdrawal |
| च | ca | and |
| कार्याकार्ये | kārya-akārye | what should and should not be done |
| भयाभये | bhaya-abhaye | what is to be feared and not feared |
| बन्धम् | bandham | bondage |
| मोक्षम् | mokṣam | liberation |
| च | ca | and |
| या | yā | which |
| वेत्ति | vetti | knows |
| बुद्धिः | buddhiḥ | understanding |
| सा | sā | that |
| पार्थ | pārtha | O son of Pritha |
| सात्त्विकी | sāttvikī | sattvic |
Explanation
The understanding that knows when to act and when to refrain, what should and should not be done, what is truly to be feared and what is not, and what binds and what frees, is sattvic. It is clear, balanced discernment that sees each situation as it is.
Pravṛtti and nivṛtti are often taken as the two great paths of active engagement and contemplative withdrawal. Shankara reads them so, and says sattvic buddhi knows which suits a given person and time. Ramanuja reads them as worldly action and action leading to liberation. All agree that sattvic understanding is practical wisdom: knowing not only principles but how they apply.
भावार्थ
हे पार्थ, जो बुद्धि प्रवृत्ति और निवृत्ति को, करने योग्य और न करने योग्य को, भय और अभय को तथा बन्धन और मोक्ष को ठीक-ठीक जानती है, वह सात्त्विकी है।
Living it today
Wisdom is often knowing when to act and when to step back. Before deciding, ask honestly which this moment calls for.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 18.30?
The understanding that knows when to act and when to refrain, what should and should not be done, what is truly to be feared and what is not, and what binds and what frees, is sattvic. It is clear, balanced discernment that sees each situation as it is.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 18.30?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 18 (Moksha Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 18.30 in daily life?
Wisdom is often knowing when to act and when to step back. Before deciding, ask honestly which this moment calls for.
Reflected on verse 18.30?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.