Chapter 8, Verse 11 (Bhagavad Gita 8.11)
Chapter 8: Akṣhar Brahma Yog – Path of the Eternal God
Sanskrit Shloka
यदक्षरं वेदविदो वदन्ति विशन्ति यद्यतयो वीतरागाः। यदिच्छन्तो ब्रह्मचर्यं चरन्ति तत्ते पदं संग्रहेण प्रवक्ष्ये
Transliteration
yad akṣharaṁ veda-vido vadanti viśhanti yad yatayo vīta-rāgāḥ yad ichchhanto brahmacharyaṁ charanti tat te padaṁ saṅgraheṇa pravakṣhye
Word Meanings
yat—which; akṣharam—Imperishable; veda-vidaḥ—scholars of the Vedas; vadanti—describe; viśhanti—enter; yat—which; yatayaḥ—great ascetics; vīta-rāgāḥ—free from attachment; yat—which; ichchhantaḥ—desiring; brahmacharyam—celibacy; charanti—practice; tat—that; te—to you; padam—goal; saṅgraheṇa—briefly; pravakṣhye—I shall explain
Translation
I shall briefly describe to you that goal which the knowers of the Vedas term as the Imperishable (Akshara), which the self-controlled ascetics free from passion enter, and desiring which, seekers practice celibacy (Brahmacharya).
Meaning & Commentary
In this verse, Bhagwan Shri Krishna reveals the ultimate destination of all spiritual seeking, which is the eternal Brahman—His own transcendental form. By emphasizing the 'Imperishable,' Shri Krishna invites Arjuna to look beyond the transient material world toward the Absolute Truth that resides within the heart of every being. The practice of self-control and celibacy mentioned here serves as the foundation for cleansing the consciousness, allowing the devotee to perceive the Divine essence. Shri Krishna, as the source of all existence, declares Himself as the supreme objective of these austerities, promising that those who shed worldly attachments and focus their energy upon Him attain liberation. This path is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a profound, life-altering surrender into the embrace of the Supreme Lord.