Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8 Verse 11: The Path to the Imperishable State

Minutes to read.

Introduction

In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8, Verse 11, the Speaker refers to the Supreme Reality that Vedic scholars and ascetic seekers strive to reach. He promises to describe, in brief, the spiritual practice (Bhakti Vidhi) and the goal that requires intense dedication and self-control.

Sanskrit Shlok (Original Verse)

Word-for-Word Meaning (Sanskrit to English)

• Yat: Which / That
• Aksharam: Imperishable (The Supreme God)
• Veda-vidah: Knowers of the Vedas (Tattvadarshi Saints)
• Vadanti: Say / Declare
• Vishanti: Enter into / Attain
• Yat: In which
• Yatayah: Striving seekers / Ascetics
• Vitaragah: Free from attachment
• Ichchhantah: Desiring / Longing for
• Brahmacharyam: Celibacy / Discipline
• Charanti: Practice / Observe
• Tat: That
• Te: For you (Arjun)
• Padam: State / Spiritual Method (Method of worship)
• Sangrahena: In brief / Summarized (Symbolically)
• Pravakshye: I shall tell / Speak

English Translation

The Lord said: That state which the knowers of the Vedas (Tattvadarshi Saints) call the Imperishable, into which the striving seekers free from attachment enter, and desiring which they practice celibacy—I shall briefly (symbolically) explain to you the method of worship to attain that Supreme Goal.

Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अनुवाद)

श्री भगवानुवाच: उपरोक्त श्लोक 8 से 10 में वर्णित जिस सच्चिदानन्द घन परमेश्वर को वेद के जानने वाले (अर्थात् तत्वदर्शी सन्त) वास्तव में अविनाशी कहते हैं, जिसमें यत्नशील रागरहित साधक जन प्रवेश करते हैं, और जिसे चाहने वाले ब्रह्मचर्य का आचरण करते हैं—उस पद (अर्थात् पूर्ण परमात्मा को प्राप्त कराने वाली भक्ति पद्धति) को तेरे लिए संक्षेप में (सांकेतिक रूप से) कहूँगा।

Detailed Commentary & Analysis (Bhavarth)

According to the unique insights found in the Chapter 8 Full Detail Analysis:

1. The Role of the Tattvadarshi Saint: The "Knowers of the Vedas" mentioned here are the Tattvadarshi Saints (as referenced in Gita 4.34). Only they understand the true nature of the "Akshara" (Imperishable) and the exact method to attain Him.
2. Definition of "Padam": In this context, Padam does not just mean a destination, but the Bhakti Vidhi (the method of worship). The Speaker is preparing to explain the "how-to" of attaining the Supreme.
3. The Secret Mantra: The Speaker mentions he will explain this "briefly" or "symbolically." This points toward the three-word mantra mentioned later in Gita Chapter 17, Verse 23—"Om-Tat-Sat." This is the authentic method for attaining the Purna Brahm (Supreme Almighty).
4. The Requirement of Vitaragah: Entry into this supreme state is only possible for those who have neutralized their worldly attachments (Raga) through correct spiritual practice.

Why This Translation is Different

Most commentators suggest that "Om" is the only mantra for salvation. However, at holybhagavadgita.com, we clarify that in this verse, the Speaker is promising to describe the path to the Supreme God, which involves more than just the mantra for the Speaker himself. This verse sets the stage for the distinction between the mantra for Brahm (Om) and the symbolic mantras (Tat and Sat) for the Higher Power.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the "Padam" that the Lord promises to explain? A1: It refers to the specific spiritual methodology and the "Names" (Mantras) required to reach the Supreme Eternal State.

Q2: Who are the "Veda-vidah"? A2: They are the Tattvadarshi Saints who possess the true, experiential knowledge of the Vedas and the Supreme God, as opposed to those who only have theoretical knowledge.