Bhagavad Gita 18.70 — Studying This Sacred Dialogue Is a Sacrifice of Knowledge
अध्येष्यते च य इमं धर्म्यं संवादमावयोः ।
ज्ञानयज्ञेन तेनाहमिष्टः स्यामिति मे मतिः ॥ १८.७० ॥
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And he who will study this sacred dialogue of ours, by him I shall be worshipped with the sacrifice of knowledge; this is My conviction.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| adhyeṣhyate | will study, will recite |
| cha | and |
| yaḥ | who |
| imam | this |
| dharmyam | sacred, righteous |
| saṁvādam | dialogue |
| āvayoḥ | of us two |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| jñānayajñena | by the sacrifice of knowledge |
| tena | by him |
| aham | I |
| iṣhṭaḥ | worshipped |
| syām | shall be |
| iti | thus |
| me | My |
| matiḥ | conviction, opinion |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| adhyeṣhyate | will study, will recite | jñānayajñena | by the sacrifice of knowledge |
| cha | and | tena | by him |
| yaḥ | who | aham | I |
| imam | this | iṣhṭaḥ | worshipped |
| dharmyam | sacred, righteous | syām | shall be |
| saṁvādam | dialogue | iti | thus |
| āvayoḥ | of us two | me | My |
| matiḥ | conviction, opinion | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna speaks about those who study this sacred conversation between Him and Arjuna. He says that, by such a sacrifice of knowledge, He is worshipped, and this is His conviction.
Essence
Study as worship
The previous verses spoke of sharing the teaching with others. This verse turns to a simpler and more accessible act, which is the sincere study of the teaching itself.
Adhyeṣyate ca ya imaṁ (and whoever studies this): The word adhyeṣyate refers to study, reading, and recitation, with reflection. It points to regular and sincere engagement with the text.
Dharmyaṁ saṁvādam āvayoḥ (this sacred dialogue between us two): The Gita is called a saṁvāda, a conversation, between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. It is described as dharmya, meaning that it is in harmony with dharma and leads to righteousness. The Gita is not a set of abstract commands. It is a living dialogue, in which a troubled student asks honest questions and a compassionate teacher answers them.
Jñāna-yajñena tenāham iṣṭaḥ syām (by that sacrifice of knowledge, I am worshipped): The phrase jñāna-yajña means a sacrifice of knowledge, or worship through study and understanding. Earlier in the Gita, Lord Krishna said that the sacrifice of knowledge is superior to material sacrifices. Here He says that when a person studies this teaching in a devoted spirit, it is as though the Lord Himself is being worshipped.
Iti me matiḥ (such is My conviction): Lord Krishna states this as His own considered view.
Study that transforms
This verse reminds us that study of a spiritual text is not mere intellectual exercise. When approached with attention, reverence, and a wish to apply the teaching, it becomes a spiritual practice that purifies the mind. The dialogue form of the Gita also invites the reader to take Arjuna's place, bringing their own doubts and questions into the conversation.
Message for Everyday Life (A Daily Practice of Study)
A few minutes of regular reflection on an inspiring text can have a deep effect over time.
Make it a habit: Read a single verse each day, think about its meaning, and ask how you might live it. Consistency matters more than length. Over months, this practice can reshape how you think and act.
Study as worship
The previous verses spoke of sharing the teaching with others. This verse turns to a simpler and more accessible act, which is the sincere study of the teaching itself.
Adhyeṣyate ca ya imaṁ (and whoever studies this): The word adhyeṣyate refers to study, reading, and recitation, with reflection. It points to regular and sincere engagement with the text.
Dharmyaṁ saṁvādam āvayoḥ (this sacred dialogue between us two): The Gita is called a saṁvāda, a conversation, between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. It is described as dharmya, meaning that it is in harmony with dharma and leads to righteousness. The Gita is not a set of abstract commands. It is a living dialogue, in which a troubled student asks honest questions and a compassionate teacher answers them.
Jñāna-yajñena tenāham iṣṭaḥ syām (by that sacrifice of knowledge, I am worshipped): The phrase jñāna-yajña means a sacrifice of knowledge, or worship through study and understanding. Earlier in the Gita, Lord Krishna said that the sacrifice of knowledge is superior to material sacrifices. Here He says that when a person studies this teaching in a devoted spirit, it is as though the Lord Himself is being worshipped.
Iti me matiḥ (such is My conviction): Lord Krishna states this as His own considered view.
Study that transforms
This verse reminds us that study of a spiritual text is not mere intellectual exercise. When approached with attention, reverence, and a wish to apply the teaching, it becomes a spiritual practice that purifies the mind. The dialogue form of the Gita also invites the reader to take Arjuna's place, bringing their own doubts and questions into the conversation.
Message for Everyday Life (A Daily Practice of Study)
A few minutes of regular reflection on an inspiring text can have a deep effect over time.
Make it a habit: Read a single verse each day, think about its meaning, and ask how you might live it. Consistency matters more than length. Over months, this practice can reshape how you think and act.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has declared that sincere study of this dialogue is itself a worship of Him. In the next verse, He adds a final encouragement: even one who only listens with faith and without envy will be freed and attain the blessed worlds.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Reading with reverence is a form of prayer.
A sacred conversation still speaks.
Offer your attention as a flower.
Wisdom is its own offering.
Little and often builds understanding.
Reflect, not just read.
The study of truth is its own reward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'dharmyam saṁvādam' (sacred dialogue) refer to?
What is 'jñānayajña' (sacrifice of knowledge)?
How does studying become worship of the Lord according to this verse?
What does 'iti me matiḥ' (this is My conviction) emphasise?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
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