Bhagavad Gita 18.64 — Krishna Prepares to Reveal the Supreme Secret Out of Love
सर्वगुह्यतमं भूयः शृणु मे परमं वचः ।
इष्टोऽसि मे दृढमिति ततो वक्ष्यामि ते हितम् ॥ १८.६४ ॥
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Hear again My supreme word, the most secret of all. You are very dear to Me; therefore I shall tell you what is for your benefit.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sarvaguhyatamam | the most secret of all |
| bhūyaḥ | again |
| śhṛṇu | hear |
| me | My |
| paramam | supreme |
| vachaḥ | word |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| iṣhṭaḥ | dearly loved |
| asi | you are |
| me | by Me |
| dṛḍham | firmly, very much |
| iti | thus |
| tataḥ | therefore |
| vakṣhyāmi | I shall tell |
| te | to you |
| hitam | what is for your benefit |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sarvaguhyatamam | the most secret of all | iṣhṭaḥ | dearly loved |
| bhūyaḥ | again | asi | you are |
| śhṛṇu | hear | me | by Me |
| me | My | dṛḍham | firmly, very much |
| paramam | supreme | iti | thus |
| vachaḥ | word | tataḥ | therefore |
| vakṣhyāmi | I shall tell | ||
| te | to you | ||
| hitam | what is for your benefit | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna begins the final and most intimate part of His teaching. He asks Arjuna to listen once more to His supreme word, the most secret of all, and explains that He speaks it for Arjuna's benefit because Arjuna is firmly dear to Him.
Essence
The most confidential teaching
Lord Krishna has just said that He has explained a knowledge more secret than any secret. Yet He now says that there is something still more precious to share. The tone of the conversation changes here, from instruction to tender friendship.
Sarva-guhyatamaṁ (the most secret of all secrets): The word guhya means hidden or confidential. By using the superlative guhyatamam, Lord Krishna indicates that what follows is the very heart of the Gita. It is secret not because it is concealed, but because its full depth can only be grasped by a heart that is ready to receive it.
Bhūyaḥ śṛṇu me paramaṁ vacaḥ (listen again to My supreme word): The word bhūyaḥ means again. Lord Krishna has spoken of this theme before, in earlier chapters, and He now repeats it for emphasis. Important truths often need to be heard more than once. The word paramam means supreme, which signals that this is the culminating message.
Iṣṭo 'si me dṛḍham (you are firmly dear to Me): This is the reason for the teaching. Lord Krishna says that Arjuna is dear to Him, and the word dṛḍham means firmly or deeply. The words are an expression of love, not a reward for performance.
Tato vakṣyāmi te hitam (therefore I shall speak for your good): The purpose is Arjuna's welfare. Everything that Lord Krishna says arises from care.
Teaching as an act of love
The way Lord Krishna introduces this teaching tells us something important about the relationship between the teacher and the student. The highest wisdom is shared in an atmosphere of trust and affection. It is not a cold transfer of information. This is also an assurance to every reader that the Gita's final message is offered with love.
Message for Everyday Life (The Power of Loving Guidance)
The most valuable lessons in life often come from people who care about us and who tell us the truth for our own good.
A reflection: Think of someone who has guided you with love. Remember what they taught you, and consider how you might offer the same kind of caring honesty to someone else.
The most confidential teaching
Lord Krishna has just said that He has explained a knowledge more secret than any secret. Yet He now says that there is something still more precious to share. The tone of the conversation changes here, from instruction to tender friendship.
Sarva-guhyatamaṁ (the most secret of all secrets): The word guhya means hidden or confidential. By using the superlative guhyatamam, Lord Krishna indicates that what follows is the very heart of the Gita. It is secret not because it is concealed, but because its full depth can only be grasped by a heart that is ready to receive it.
Bhūyaḥ śṛṇu me paramaṁ vacaḥ (listen again to My supreme word): The word bhūyaḥ means again. Lord Krishna has spoken of this theme before, in earlier chapters, and He now repeats it for emphasis. Important truths often need to be heard more than once. The word paramam means supreme, which signals that this is the culminating message.
Iṣṭo 'si me dṛḍham (you are firmly dear to Me): This is the reason for the teaching. Lord Krishna says that Arjuna is dear to Him, and the word dṛḍham means firmly or deeply. The words are an expression of love, not a reward for performance.
Tato vakṣyāmi te hitam (therefore I shall speak for your good): The purpose is Arjuna's welfare. Everything that Lord Krishna says arises from care.
Teaching as an act of love
The way Lord Krishna introduces this teaching tells us something important about the relationship between the teacher and the student. The highest wisdom is shared in an atmosphere of trust and affection. It is not a cold transfer of information. This is also an assurance to every reader that the Gita's final message is offered with love.
Message for Everyday Life (The Power of Loving Guidance)
The most valuable lessons in life often come from people who care about us and who tell us the truth for our own good.
A reflection: Think of someone who has guided you with love. Remember what they taught you, and consider how you might offer the same kind of caring honesty to someone else.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has announced that He will speak the most secret word for Arjuna's good. In the next verse, He begins with four tender instructions about how to turn the whole of life toward Him.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Wisdom is shared with those we love.
The best word deserves your full ear.
True teaching aims at your good.
Being cared for opens the heart to learn.
Some truths come only after trust.
Listen again, as if for the first time.
The highest advice is a gift of love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sarvaguhyatamam' (the most secret of all) mean?
Why does Krishna say 'bhūyaḥ' (again)?
What does 'iṣhṭaḥ asi me dṛḍham' (you are very dear to Me) mean?
What is 'hitam' (what is for your benefit) in this verse?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
Explore related topics
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