Bhagavad Gita 16.13 — 'This I Have Gained Today': The Greedy Mind That Never Rests
इदमद्य मया लब्धमिमं प्राप्स्ये मनोरथम् ।
इदमस्तीदमपि मे भविष्यति पुनर्धनम् ॥ १६.१३ ॥
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"This much I have gained today, and I shall fulfil this desire also. This wealth is mine, and more shall be mine in the future."
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| idam | this |
| adya | today |
| mayā | by me |
| labdham | has been gained |
| imam | this |
| prāpsye | I shall obtain |
| manoratham | desire, cherished wish |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| idam | this |
| asti | is |
| idam | this |
| api | also |
| me | mine |
| bhaviṣhyati | will be |
| punaḥ | again, in the future |
| dhanam | wealth |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| idam | this | idam | this |
| adya | today | asti | is |
| mayā | by me | idam | this |
| labdham | has been gained | api | also |
| imam | this | me | mine |
| prāpsye | I shall obtain | bhaviṣhyati | will be |
| manoratham | desire, cherished wish | punaḥ | again, in the future |
| dhanam | wealth | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Here Lord Krishna lets us listen to the inner monologue of the demoniac mind. The verse is almost like a recording of its thoughts: what I have obtained today, what desire I will fulfill next, and how much more wealth will be mine in the future. It captures the restless, possessive character of ego-driven thinking.
Essence
The Mind That Keeps Counting
Idam adya mayā labdham (this I have gained today): The thought begins with achievement and possession. Everything is measured in terms of "I" and "mine." There is no gratitude, no sense that life, talent, or circumstances are gifts; everything is credited to personal effort alone.
Imaṁ prāpsye manoratham (this desire I shall now fulfill): Having obtained one thing, the mind immediately reaches for another. The word manoratha means the chariot of the mind, desires that carry the person wherever they please. One goal is reached only to become the starting point of the next.
Idam asti, idam api me bhaviṣyati punar dhanam (this much I have, and more wealth will be mine): The calculation continues into the future. Even what has been gained provides no rest, because the mind is always planning the next acquisition.
This verse reveals a subtle truth about desire: satisfaction does not accumulate. The mind may count its possessions every day, yet feel as restless as ever. The reason is that the Self cannot be fed by objects, and so the counting never ends.
The verse also exposes the ego's habit of claiming ownership: "I gained," "I will fulfill," "mine." This sense of doership is what the Gita elsewhere asks us to loosen, reminding us that we are only instruments in a much larger order.
Message for Everyday Life (Gratitude Instead of Endless Counting)
Beware of the scorecard mind: It is easy to turn life into a scoreboard of promotions, possessions, and followers. The scoreboard never feels complete.
Practical approach: Add a daily moment of gratitude, thanking the people, circumstances, and grace that made your achievements possible. Gratitude weakens the ego's claim of ownership and brings contentment into the present.
The Mind That Keeps Counting
Idam adya mayā labdham (this I have gained today): The thought begins with achievement and possession. Everything is measured in terms of "I" and "mine." There is no gratitude, no sense that life, talent, or circumstances are gifts; everything is credited to personal effort alone.
Imaṁ prāpsye manoratham (this desire I shall now fulfill): Having obtained one thing, the mind immediately reaches for another. The word manoratha means the chariot of the mind, desires that carry the person wherever they please. One goal is reached only to become the starting point of the next.
Idam asti, idam api me bhaviṣyati punar dhanam (this much I have, and more wealth will be mine): The calculation continues into the future. Even what has been gained provides no rest, because the mind is always planning the next acquisition.
This verse reveals a subtle truth about desire: satisfaction does not accumulate. The mind may count its possessions every day, yet feel as restless as ever. The reason is that the Self cannot be fed by objects, and so the counting never ends.
The verse also exposes the ego's habit of claiming ownership: "I gained," "I will fulfill," "mine." This sense of doership is what the Gita elsewhere asks us to loosen, reminding us that we are only instruments in a much larger order.
Message for Everyday Life (Gratitude Instead of Endless Counting)
Beware of the scorecard mind: It is easy to turn life into a scoreboard of promotions, possessions, and followers. The scoreboard never feels complete.
Practical approach: Add a daily moment of gratitude, thanking the people, circumstances, and grace that made your achievements possible. Gratitude weakens the ego's claim of ownership and brings contentment into the present.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has revealed the possessive inner talk of acquisition. But a mind that is proud of what it owns soon becomes hostile toward those who stand in its way. In the next verse, the thoughts turn darker: enemies slain, more to be slain, and a boastful claim to be lord, enjoyer, and perfect.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
The more you claim, the more you fear to lose.
A satisfied heart needs no list of wants.
Gratitude for today ends the hunt for tomorrow.
Wealth serves best when shared.
Possessions inflate the ego, not the soul.
Rest comes from wanting less.
Hold lightly what you cannot keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mindset does this verse describe?
What does 'manoratha' (cherished desire) mean here?
Why does the speaker say 'me' (mine) so often?
Is planning for the future wrong according to this verse?
What is the remedy for this attitude?
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