Chapter 8, Verse 1 (Bhagavad Gita 8.1)
Chapter 8: Akṣhar Brahma Yog – Path of the Eternal God
Sanskrit Shloka
अर्जुन उवाच किं तद्ब्रह्म किमध्यात्मं किं कर्म पुरुषोत्तम। अधिभूतं च किं प्रोक्तमधिदैवं किमुच्यते
Transliteration
arjuna uvācha kiṁ tad brahma kim adhyātmaṁ kiṁ karma puruṣhottama adhibhūtaṁ cha kiṁ proktam adhidaivaṁ kim uchyate
Word Meanings
arjunaḥ uvācha—Arjun said; kim—what; tat—that; brahma—Brahman; kim—what; adhyātmam—the individual soul; kim—what; karma—the principle of karma; puruṣha-uttama—Shree Krishna, the Supreme Divine Personality; adhibhūtam—the material manifestation; cha—and; kim—what; proktam—is called; adhidaivam—the Lord of the celestial gods; kim—what; uchyate—is called;
Translation
Arjuna said: O Supreme Person, what is Brahman? What is the individual self (Adhyatma)? What is fruitive activity (Karma)? What is said to be the material manifestation (Adhibhuta)? And what is called the divine nature (Adhidaiva)?
Meaning & Commentary
In this pivotal moment, Arjuna seeks to understand the foundational metaphysical structure of existence directly from Bhagwan Shri Krishna. By asking these questions, he invites the Supreme Lord to reveal the essential nature of the divine, the soul, and the cosmic order. Shri Krishna, the source of all manifestation, prepares to unveil the intricate relationship between the transitory world and the eternal Brahman. This dialogue serves as a gateway for every sincere seeker to transcend ignorance and align their consciousness with the Supreme. Through these definitions, Bhagwan Shri Krishna guides the soul toward liberation, teaching the devotee how to remain focused on Him even at the time of death.