Bhagavad Gita 18.69 — No One Is Dearer to the Lord Than the One Who Shares This Teaching
न च तस्मान्मनुष्येषु कश्चिन्मे प्रियकृत्तमः ।
भविता न च मे तस्मादन्यः प्रियतरो भुवि ॥ १८.६९ ॥
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There is no one among human beings who does a dearer service to Me than he, nor will there be another on earth dearer to Me than he.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| na | not |
| cha | and |
| tasmāt | than him |
| manuṣhyeṣhu | among human beings |
| kaśhchit | anyone |
| me | to Me |
| priyakṛttamaḥ | one who does what is dearest, one who does the most beloved service |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| bhavitā | will be |
| na | not |
| cha | and |
| me | to Me |
| tasmāt | than him |
| anyaḥ | another |
| priyataraḥ | dearer |
| bhuvi | on earth |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| na | not | bhavitā | will be |
| cha | and | na | not |
| tasmāt | than him | cha | and |
| manuṣhyeṣhu | among human beings | me | to Me |
| kaśhchit | anyone | tasmāt | than him |
| me | to Me | anyaḥ | another |
| priyakṛttamaḥ | one who does what is dearest, one who does the most beloved service | priyataraḥ | dearer |
| bhuvi | on earth | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Here Lord Krishna expresses how much He values the sharing of this wisdom. Among human beings, no one does a more dear service to Him than such a person, and no one on earth will ever be more beloved to Him.
Essence
The dearest service
This verse follows naturally from the previous one and extends it. Lord Krishna affirms in the strongest terms how precious the sharing of this teaching is to Him.
Na ca tasmān manuṣyeṣu kaścin me priya-kṛttamaḥ (among humans, no one does a dearer service to Me than he): The word priya-kṛttama means one who does what is most pleasing. Lord Krishna states that, among all the services a person might offer, helping others to understand and live this wisdom is the one that is most dear to Him.
Bhavitā na ca me tasmād anyaḥ priyataro bhuvi (nor will there be another on earth dearer to Me): The statement is extended into the future. No one will ever be more beloved than such a person. This is, of course, the language of love and not of rivalry. It expresses the wonderful closeness between the Lord and one who dedicates themselves to uplifting others.
Why is this service so valued?
The reason is simple. The greatest gift one human being can give another is help in finding freedom from suffering and ignorance. Material help is valuable, but wisdom that changes the way a person sees and lives has an effect that lasts. When someone offers this gift selflessly, they are participating in the Lord's own work of lifting beings out of darkness.
The verse also encourages anyone who feels that their contribution is small. Sincerely helping even one person grow in understanding is an act of great value.
Message for Everyday Life (The Value of Uplifting Others)
There are many ways to help others, and one of the most lasting is to help them think more clearly, find hope, or discover meaning. A teacher, a parent, a friend, or a colleague can all do this.
A practice: Look for a chance, this week, to offer someone a word of encouragement or a helpful insight, without expecting anything in return. Doing so brings quiet joy to both giver and receiver.
The dearest service
This verse follows naturally from the previous one and extends it. Lord Krishna affirms in the strongest terms how precious the sharing of this teaching is to Him.
Na ca tasmān manuṣyeṣu kaścin me priya-kṛttamaḥ (among humans, no one does a dearer service to Me than he): The word priya-kṛttama means one who does what is most pleasing. Lord Krishna states that, among all the services a person might offer, helping others to understand and live this wisdom is the one that is most dear to Him.
Bhavitā na ca me tasmād anyaḥ priyataro bhuvi (nor will there be another on earth dearer to Me): The statement is extended into the future. No one will ever be more beloved than such a person. This is, of course, the language of love and not of rivalry. It expresses the wonderful closeness between the Lord and one who dedicates themselves to uplifting others.
Why is this service so valued?
The reason is simple. The greatest gift one human being can give another is help in finding freedom from suffering and ignorance. Material help is valuable, but wisdom that changes the way a person sees and lives has an effect that lasts. When someone offers this gift selflessly, they are participating in the Lord's own work of lifting beings out of darkness.
The verse also encourages anyone who feels that their contribution is small. Sincerely helping even one person grow in understanding is an act of great value.
Message for Everyday Life (The Value of Uplifting Others)
There are many ways to help others, and one of the most lasting is to help them think more clearly, find hope, or discover meaning. A teacher, a parent, a friend, or a colleague can all do this.
A practice: Look for a chance, this week, to offer someone a word of encouragement or a helpful insight, without expecting anything in return. Doing so brings quiet joy to both giver and receiver.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has said how dear to Him is the one who shares this wisdom. In the next verse, He describes the merit of those who simply study this sacred dialogue between Him and Arjuna.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
To light another's path is the finest service.
The Divine cherishes those who share light.
Sharing wisdom gives life depth.
Serve without display.
One teaching can change a life.
Teaching with love is a sacred work.
Joy grows when wisdom flows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'priyakṛttamaḥ' (one who does the dearest service) mean?
Why does Krishna say there will be no one 'priyataraḥ' (dearer) than such a person?
Does this verse mean the Lord loves some people less than others?
What does 'manuṣhyeṣhu' (among human beings) imply?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
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