Bhagavad Gita 6.42 — Or Else He Is Born in the Family of Wise Yogis
अथवा योगिनामेव कुले भवति धीमताम्।
एतद्धि दुर्लभतरं लोके जन्म यदीदृशम्॥ ६.४२॥
Or, the yogi who fell short of complete perfection is born into the family of wise and realized yogis. Such a birth is exceedingly rare in this world because it provides an exceptional opportunity for continuing spiritual progress from an early stage of life.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| athavā | or else |
| yoginām | of yogīs |
| eva | indeed |
| kule | in the family |
| bhavati | is born |
| dhīmatām | of the wise |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| etat | such |
| hi | indeed |
| durlabhataram | is exceedingly rare |
| loke | in this world |
| janma | birth |
| yat | which |
| īdṛśam | is of this kind |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| athavā | or else | etat | such |
| yoginām | of yogīs | hi | indeed |
| eva | indeed | durlabhataram | is exceedingly rare |
| kule | in the family | loke | in this world |
| bhavati | is born | janma | birth |
| dhīmatām | of the wise | yat | which |
| īdṛśam | is of this kind | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna describes an even rarer destiny for highly advanced seekers: taking birth in the family of enlightened yogis, where spiritual growth naturally continues from an early age.
Essence
Lord Krishna's Description of the Rarest Birth
Lord Krishna now speaks of an even greater blessing than birth in a virtuous and prosperous family. For those who had advanced significantly in yoga before their previous life ended, an exceptionally rare opportunity awaits.
Athavā yoginām eva kule (or else in the family of yogis): Such a seeker may be born into a family of spiritually realized yogis. In such an environment, devotion, meditation, scriptural wisdom, and spiritual discipline are part of everyday life, allowing the seeker to resume the journey with remarkable ease.
Dhīmatām (of the wise): These are not merely learned people but those who possess genuine spiritual wisdom born of realization. Growing up under their guidance provides an invaluable foundation for higher spiritual development.
Etad dhi durlabhataraṁ (such a birth is indeed very rare): Lord Krishna emphasizes that this kind of birth is extraordinarily uncommon. It is granted only to those whose previous spiritual progress was already highly developed.
Through this teaching, Lord Krishna reveals that spiritual evolution extends beyond a single lifetime. Every sincere effort prepares the soul for increasingly favorable opportunities until the final goal of God-realization is attained.
Message for Everyday Life (Value Your Spiritual Opportunities)
Spiritual environments are precious: The opportunity to grow among people who value wisdom, devotion, and righteous living is a rare blessing that should never be taken for granted.
Practical approach: Whether or not you were born into such an environment, consciously seek the company of spiritually minded people, study authentic scriptures, and cultivate uplifting habits. These influences accelerate your inner growth and strengthen your spiritual journey.
Next Topic
Having explained the favorable births granted to sincere seekers, Lord Krishna now reveals how the impressions from previous lives naturally awaken again, drawing the yogi back toward the spiritual path almost effortlessly.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
A nurturing environment can accelerate inner development.
The right surroundings often awaken dormant potential.
Spiritual progress flourishes in spiritual company.
Some opportunities are the fruit of earlier effort.
Where we grow influences how we grow.
Wisdom passed through generations becomes a powerful guide.
A rare opportunity carries a special responsibility.