Bhagavad Gita 18.67 — Who Should and Should Not Hear This Teaching
इदं ते नातपस्काय नाभक्ताय कदाचन ।
न चाशुश्रूषवे वाच्यं न च मां योऽभ्यसूयति ॥ १८.६७ ॥
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This should never be spoken by you to one who is without austerity, or without devotion, nor to one who does not wish to listen, nor to one who speaks ill of Me.
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 |
| te | by you |
| na | not |
| atapaskāya | to one without austerity |
| na | nor |
| abhaktāya | to one without devotion |
| kadāchana | ever, at any time |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| na | nor |
| cha | and |
| aśhuśhrūṣhave | to one who does not wish to listen |
| vāchyam | should be spoken |
| na | nor |
| cha | and |
| mām | Me |
| yaḥ | who |
| abhyasūyati | speaks ill of, finds fault with |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| idam | this | na | nor |
| te | by you | cha | and |
| na | not | aśhuśhrūṣhave | to one who does not wish to listen |
| atapaskāya | to one without austerity | vāchyam | should be spoken |
| na | nor | na | nor |
| abhaktāya | to one without devotion | cha | and |
| kadāchana | ever, at any time | mām | Me |
| yaḥ | who | ||
| abhyasūyati | speaks ill of, finds fault with | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Here Lord Krishna gives guidance about sharing this teaching. It should not be spoken to one who lacks discipline, who has no devotion, who is unwilling to listen, or who is hostile toward the Lord.
Essence
Readiness for deep teaching
Having given the supreme message, Lord Krishna now speaks about who is ready to receive it. This verse can easily be misunderstood, so it needs to be read in its proper spirit.
Na atapaskāya (not to one without discipline): The word tapas means disciplined effort. A person who has made no effort to refine their mind, and has no willingness to practise, cannot take in the teaching deeply. It does not mean that such a person is unworthy, but that the teaching will not take root without some preparation.
Na abhaktāya kadācana (never to one without devotion): Without a degree of sincere love and openness, the words remain only words. Devotion makes the heart receptive.
Na ca aśuśrūṣave (nor to one who has no desire to listen): The word śuśrūṣā means eager and respectful attention. Teaching cannot benefit a person who is unwilling to hear.
Na ca māṁ yo 'bhyasūyati (nor to one who envies or scorns Me): Hostility and contempt close the mind. A person who is determined to ridicule will not understand, and may even misuse the words.
Understanding this wisely
This verse should not be read as elitism or as a call to withhold kindness from anyone. Its meaning is practical. Profound teaching is wasted, or even distorted, when it is forced on those who are not ready. A good teacher, like a good gardener, knows when and where to sow. The verse also implies the qualities a seeker should develop: discipline, devotion, willingness to listen, and freedom from scorn. These are the very conditions that make learning possible.
It is worth remembering that the Gita itself has been shared very widely over the centuries, and that people grow into readiness through exposure and practice. The verse describes the ideal conditions, but does not forbid anyone from approaching with sincerity.
Message for Everyday Life (Ready to Learn)
The best teaching is of little use to a closed mind. We too can ask ourselves whether we are approaching new ideas with willingness to listen, with respect, and with the discipline to practise what we learn.
A practice: The next time you receive valuable advice, listen fully before judging, and then try applying it for a period of time before deciding whether it works.
Readiness for deep teaching
Having given the supreme message, Lord Krishna now speaks about who is ready to receive it. This verse can easily be misunderstood, so it needs to be read in its proper spirit.
Na atapaskāya (not to one without discipline): The word tapas means disciplined effort. A person who has made no effort to refine their mind, and has no willingness to practise, cannot take in the teaching deeply. It does not mean that such a person is unworthy, but that the teaching will not take root without some preparation.
Na abhaktāya kadācana (never to one without devotion): Without a degree of sincere love and openness, the words remain only words. Devotion makes the heart receptive.
Na ca aśuśrūṣave (nor to one who has no desire to listen): The word śuśrūṣā means eager and respectful attention. Teaching cannot benefit a person who is unwilling to hear.
Na ca māṁ yo 'bhyasūyati (nor to one who envies or scorns Me): Hostility and contempt close the mind. A person who is determined to ridicule will not understand, and may even misuse the words.
Understanding this wisely
This verse should not be read as elitism or as a call to withhold kindness from anyone. Its meaning is practical. Profound teaching is wasted, or even distorted, when it is forced on those who are not ready. A good teacher, like a good gardener, knows when and where to sow. The verse also implies the qualities a seeker should develop: discipline, devotion, willingness to listen, and freedom from scorn. These are the very conditions that make learning possible.
It is worth remembering that the Gita itself has been shared very widely over the centuries, and that people grow into readiness through exposure and practice. The verse describes the ideal conditions, but does not forbid anyone from approaching with sincerity.
Message for Everyday Life (Ready to Learn)
The best teaching is of little use to a closed mind. We too can ask ourselves whether we are approaching new ideas with willingness to listen, with respect, and with the discipline to practise what we learn.
A practice: The next time you receive valuable advice, listen fully before judging, and then try applying it for a period of time before deciding whether it works.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has spoken about who is ready to receive this teaching. In the next verse, He speaks about the great merit of those who share it with devotees, and promises that they will certainly attain Him.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Plant seeds where the soil is ready.
Truth needs a respectful ear.
Not every word is for every ear.
Wait until the heart is willing.
Learners must be willing.
Not every argument must be won.
Guard the precious with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'atapaskāya' (one without austerity) mean?
What does 'abhaktāya' (one without devotion) mean?
Why should it not be spoken to 'aśhuśhrūṣhave' (one who does not wish to listen) or to one who 'abhyasūyati' (speaks ill of or finds fault with) the Lord?
Does this verse mean the Gita should be kept from people?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
Explore related topics
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