Bhagavad Gita 18.63 — Reflect Fully, Then Choose Freely: The Secret Knowledge
इति ते ज्ञानमाख्यातं गुह्याद्गुह्यतरं मया ।
विमृश्यैतदशेषेण यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु ॥ १८.६३ ॥
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Thus I have declared to you knowledge more secret than the secret. Reflect on this fully, and then do as you wish.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| iti | thus |
| te | to you |
| jñānam | knowledge |
| ākhyātam | has been declared |
| guhyāt | than the secret |
| guhyataram | more secret |
| mayā | by Me |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| vimṛśhya | having reflected |
| etat | on this |
| aśheṣheṇa | fully, completely |
| yathā | as |
| ichchhasi | you wish |
| tathā | so |
| kuru | do |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| iti | thus | vimṛśhya | having reflected |
| te | to you | etat | on this |
| jñānam | knowledge | aśheṣheṇa | fully, completely |
| ākhyātam | has been declared | yathā | as |
| guhyāt | than the secret | ichchhasi | you wish |
| guhyataram | more secret | tathā | so |
| mayā | by Me | kuru | do |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna sums up the teaching. He tells Arjuna that this knowledge, more secret than any secret, has now been explained, and that Arjuna should reflect on it fully and then act as he wishes.
Essence
Wisdom offered, freedom respected
This verse is a beautiful conclusion to the main body of the teaching. In a few words, Lord Krishna sums up what He has said and hands the final decision to Arjuna.
Iti te jñānam ākhyātam (thus has this knowledge been explained to you): The word iti marks a conclusion. The teaching on action, knowledge, devotion, and surrender has been set out as fully as words can do.
Guhyād guhyataraṁ (more secret than the secret): Lord Krishna calls this wisdom more confidential than all other confidential teachings. It is secret not because it is hidden from anyone, but because it can be understood only by a mind that is ready. Its depth lies beyond ordinary perception.
Vimṛśyaitad aśeṣeṇa (reflect on this fully, without leaving anything out): The word vimṛśya means to consider, ponder, and examine thoroughly. Lord Krishna does not ask for blind acceptance. He asks Arjuna to think carefully about the entire teaching, leaving nothing out.
Yathecchasi tathā kuru (then do as you wish): This is the most striking phrase. After all His teaching, Lord Krishna leaves the decision to Arjuna. He does not command or force.
The respect for freedom
This final phrase says much about the nature of the Gita. True spiritual growth cannot be imposed. It depends on a person's own understanding and willing choice. A teacher can offer guidance and share the vision, but the student must reflect and decide. By saying this, Lord Krishna honours Arjuna's dignity as a thinking being.
It is also a sign of deep confidence. Lord Krishna trusts that a person who has truly reflected on this knowledge will choose wisely.
Message for Everyday Life (Reflect, Then Choose)
We are often pressured to accept ideas from others without examination, or we reject them without consideration. The Gita invites a better approach, which is to listen carefully, reflect deeply, and then decide for ourselves.
A practice: When you receive advice on an important matter, give yourself time to ponder it fully before you decide. Take responsibility for your choice, since decisions made with understanding are those that bring lasting peace.
Wisdom offered, freedom respected
This verse is a beautiful conclusion to the main body of the teaching. In a few words, Lord Krishna sums up what He has said and hands the final decision to Arjuna.
Iti te jñānam ākhyātam (thus has this knowledge been explained to you): The word iti marks a conclusion. The teaching on action, knowledge, devotion, and surrender has been set out as fully as words can do.
Guhyād guhyataraṁ (more secret than the secret): Lord Krishna calls this wisdom more confidential than all other confidential teachings. It is secret not because it is hidden from anyone, but because it can be understood only by a mind that is ready. Its depth lies beyond ordinary perception.
Vimṛśyaitad aśeṣeṇa (reflect on this fully, without leaving anything out): The word vimṛśya means to consider, ponder, and examine thoroughly. Lord Krishna does not ask for blind acceptance. He asks Arjuna to think carefully about the entire teaching, leaving nothing out.
Yathecchasi tathā kuru (then do as you wish): This is the most striking phrase. After all His teaching, Lord Krishna leaves the decision to Arjuna. He does not command or force.
The respect for freedom
This final phrase says much about the nature of the Gita. True spiritual growth cannot be imposed. It depends on a person's own understanding and willing choice. A teacher can offer guidance and share the vision, but the student must reflect and decide. By saying this, Lord Krishna honours Arjuna's dignity as a thinking being.
It is also a sign of deep confidence. Lord Krishna trusts that a person who has truly reflected on this knowledge will choose wisely.
Message for Everyday Life (Reflect, Then Choose)
We are often pressured to accept ideas from others without examination, or we reject them without consideration. The Gita invites a better approach, which is to listen carefully, reflect deeply, and then decide for ourselves.
A practice: When you receive advice on an important matter, give yourself time to ponder it fully before you decide. Take responsibility for your choice, since decisions made with understanding are those that bring lasting peace.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has completed the teaching and left the choice in Arjuna's hands. But He has not yet said everything. In the next verse, out of love for Arjuna, He promises to reveal the most secret and supreme word of all.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Real guidance leaves room for choice.
Think it through before you take it up.
A good teacher trusts the student.
The deepest truths ask for quiet reflection.
Make the teaching your own.
Free choices are owned choices.
Wisdom is offered, not forced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'guhyād guhyataram' (more secret than the secret) mean?
What does 'vimṛśhya etat aśheṣheṇa' (having reflected on this fully) mean?
Why does Krishna say 'yathā ichchhasi tathā kuru' (do as you wish)?
Does this verse conflict with earlier statements that Arjuna's nature will compel him?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
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