Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 8 · Akshara Brahma Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 8.19 भूतग्रामः स एवायं भूत्वा भूत्वा प्रलीयते
श्लोक 8.19
भूतग्रामः स एवायं भूत्वा भूत्वा प्रलीयते ।
रात्र्यागमेऽवशः पार्थ प्रभवत्यहरागमे ॥
bhūtagrāmaḥ sa evāyaṃ bhūtvā bhūtvā pralīyate |
rātryāgame'vaśaḥ pārtha prabhavatyaharāgame ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
हे पार्थ, यही प्राणियों का समूह बार-बार उत्पन्न होकर, विवश होकर रात आने पर लीन हो जाता है और दिन आने पर फिर प्रकट हो जाता है।
Meaning in English
O Partha, this same multitude of beings, coming into existence again and again, helplessly dissolves when night arrives and emerges again when day arrives.
Bhagavad Gita 8.19 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| भूतग्रामः | bhūta-grāmaḥ | the multitude of beings |
| सः एव अयम् | saḥ eva ayam | this very same |
| भूत्वा भूत्वा | bhūtvā bhūtvā | coming into being again and again |
| प्रलीयते | pralīyate | dissolves |
| रात्र्यागमे | rātry-āgame | at nightfall |
| अवशः | avaśaḥ | helplessly |
| पार्थ | pārtha | O Partha |
| प्रभवति | prabhavati | comes forth |
| अहरागमे | ahar-āgame | at daybreak |
Explanation
This same host of beings, coming into existence again and again, dissolves helplessly at the arrival of night, O Partha, and comes forth again at the arrival of day. Beings are carried along by this rhythm, not by their own free choice.
The key word is avashah, helplessly: beings do not choose to appear and disappear, but are driven by the force of their past karma and by nature. Shankara stresses that this is the same multitude each time, carrying its karmic seeds from one cycle into the next. Ramanuja makes the same point and adds that only the Lord's grace breaks the cycle. The verse explains why Krishna described rebirth as impermanent and full of sorrow in 8.15, and sets up the contrast of the next verse.
भावार्थ
हे पार्थ, यही प्राणी-समुदाय बार-बार उत्पन्न होकर रात्रि के आने पर विवश होकर लीन हो जाता है और दिन के आने पर फिर उत्पन्न होता है। यह चक्र अपने आप चलता रहता है।
Living it today
Much of life runs on autopilot driven by habit. Notice your own automatic loops, and choose one to bring into conscious control.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 8.19?
This same host of beings, coming into existence again and again, dissolves helplessly at the arrival of night, O Partha, and comes forth again at the arrival of day. Beings are carried along by this rhythm, not by their own free choice.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 8.19?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 8 (Akshara Brahma Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 8.19 in daily life?
Much of life runs on autopilot driven by habit. Notice your own automatic loops, and choose one to bring into conscious control.
Reflected on verse 8.19?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.