Bhagavad Gita 7.29 — Taking Refuge in the Supreme Leads to Knowledge of Brahman, the Self and Action
जरामरणमोक्षाय मामाश्रित्य यतन्ति ये ।
ते ब्रह्म तद्विदुः कृत्स्नमध्यात्मं कर्म चाखिलम् ॥ ७.२९ ॥
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Those who strive for liberation from old age and death, taking refuge in Me, know that Brahman completely, as well as the Self and all action.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| jarā-maraṇa-mokṣhāya | for liberation from old age and death |
| mām | Me |
| āśhritya | taking refuge in |
| yatanti | strive |
| ye | those who |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| te | they |
| brahma | Brahman, the Supreme Reality |
| tat | that |
| viduḥ | know |
| kṛitsnam | entire, completely |
| adhyātmam | the individual self, knowledge of the Self |
| karma | action |
| cha | and |
| akhilam | all, entire |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| jarā-maraṇa-mokṣhāya | for liberation from old age and death | te | they |
| mām | Me | brahma | Brahman, the Supreme Reality |
| āśhritya | taking refuge in | tat | that |
| yatanti | strive | viduḥ | know |
| ye | those who | kṛitsnam | entire, completely |
| adhyātmam | the individual self, knowledge of the Self | ||
| karma | action | ||
| cha | and | ||
| akhilam | all, entire | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna now describes seekers who take refuge in Him in order to be freed from old age and death. He says that such people come to know Brahman completely, along with the nature of the self and all action.
Essence
Taking Refuge to Cross Beyond Old Age and Death
This verse turns to those who strive for the highest aim, liberation (mokṣa). It describes both their motive and the knowledge they gain.
Jarā-maraṇa-mokṣāya (for liberation from old age and death): Jarā is aging and maraṇa is death. These two represent the whole cycle of change, loss, and suffering that belongs to embodied life. The seeker here is not primarily seeking more pleasure or success, but freedom from the cycle itself.
Mām āśritya yatanti ye (those who strive taking refuge in Me): They do not strive alone. They take shelter in the Lord, combining personal effort with surrender. This is the same balance seen throughout the Gita: effort without arrogance, and trust without passivity.
Te brahma tad viduḥ kṛtsnam (they know that Brahman in its entirety): Brahman is the Supreme Reality, the infinite, unchanging foundation of all existence. These seekers come to know it fully, not partially.
Adhyātmaṁ (the nature of the individual self): They also understand adhyātma, the inner reality of the individual being and its relationship with the Supreme.
Karma cākhilam (and all about action): They understand the whole nature of karma, how actions bind, how they can be performed without bondage, and how they operate in the world.
The three terms: Brahman, adhyātma, and karma are three of the topics that Arjuna will raise as questions at the start of the next chapter. Here Lord Krishna has already hinted at the answer: the one who takes refuge in Him comes to know all of them.
Message for Everyday Life (Facing Change and Mortality with Wisdom)
Do not avoid the topic of aging and death: Modern life often distracts us from the fact of change and mortality, which leaves us unprepared when they arrive.
Practical approach: Reflect calmly from time to time on the temporary nature of life, not to become gloomy but to set priorities. Ask what truly matters, and make room for it. A mind that has made peace with impermanence, and has a refuge beyond it, can live with greater freedom and courage.
Taking Refuge to Cross Beyond Old Age and Death
This verse turns to those who strive for the highest aim, liberation (mokṣa). It describes both their motive and the knowledge they gain.
Jarā-maraṇa-mokṣāya (for liberation from old age and death): Jarā is aging and maraṇa is death. These two represent the whole cycle of change, loss, and suffering that belongs to embodied life. The seeker here is not primarily seeking more pleasure or success, but freedom from the cycle itself.
Mām āśritya yatanti ye (those who strive taking refuge in Me): They do not strive alone. They take shelter in the Lord, combining personal effort with surrender. This is the same balance seen throughout the Gita: effort without arrogance, and trust without passivity.
Te brahma tad viduḥ kṛtsnam (they know that Brahman in its entirety): Brahman is the Supreme Reality, the infinite, unchanging foundation of all existence. These seekers come to know it fully, not partially.
Adhyātmaṁ (the nature of the individual self): They also understand adhyātma, the inner reality of the individual being and its relationship with the Supreme.
Karma cākhilam (and all about action): They understand the whole nature of karma, how actions bind, how they can be performed without bondage, and how they operate in the world.
The three terms: Brahman, adhyātma, and karma are three of the topics that Arjuna will raise as questions at the start of the next chapter. Here Lord Krishna has already hinted at the answer: the one who takes refuge in Him comes to know all of them.
Message for Everyday Life (Facing Change and Mortality with Wisdom)
Do not avoid the topic of aging and death: Modern life often distracts us from the fact of change and mortality, which leaves us unprepared when they arrive.
Practical approach: Reflect calmly from time to time on the temporary nature of life, not to become gloomy but to set priorities. Ask what truly matters, and make room for it. A mind that has made peace with impermanence, and has a refuge beyond it, can live with greater freedom and courage.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has said that those who take refuge in Him come to know Brahman, adhyātma, and karma entirely. He now concludes the chapter by adding two more terms, adhibhūta and adhidaiva, along with adhiyajña, and by assuring that those who know Him thus remain united with Him even at the time of death.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
The deepest freedom is freedom from fear.
Effort finds strength in refuge.
To know the Supreme is to see the whole.
Mortality gives urgency to wisdom.
Face the end and you will begin to live.
Knowledge of the Self clarifies every action.
The path from decay to deathlessness is open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'jarā-maraṇa-mokṣhāya' (for liberation from old age and death) mean?
What is 'brahma' (the Supreme Reality) as used here?
What are 'adhyātmam' (knowledge of the individual self) and 'karma' (action) in this context?
What does 'āśhritya' (taking refuge) imply?
What is the practical message of this verse?
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