Bhagavad Gita 8.22 — The Supreme Person, Who Pervades All, Is Attained by Undivided Devotion
पुरुषः स परः पार्थ भक्त्या लभ्यस्त्वनन्यया ।
यस्यान्तःस्थानि भूतानि येन सर्वमिदं ततम् ॥ ८.२२ ॥
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That Supreme Person, O Arjuna, is attained only by undivided devotion. All beings dwell within Him, and by Him all this universe is pervaded.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| puruṣhaḥ | the Supreme Person |
| saḥ | that |
| paraḥ | supreme |
| pārtha | O Arjuna, son of Pritha |
| bhaktyā | by devotion |
| labhyaḥ | attainable |
| tu | indeed |
| ananyayā | undivided, exclusive |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yasya | in whom |
| antaḥ-sthāni | situated within |
| bhūtāni | all beings |
| yena | by whom |
| sarvam | all |
| idam | this |
| tatam | pervaded |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| puruṣhaḥ | the Supreme Person | yasya | in whom |
| saḥ | that | antaḥ-sthāni | situated within |
| paraḥ | supreme | bhūtāni | all beings |
| pārtha | O Arjuna, son of Pritha | yena | by whom |
| bhaktyā | by devotion | sarvam | all |
| labhyaḥ | attainable | idam | this |
| tu | indeed | tatam | pervaded |
| ananyayā | undivided, exclusive | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna now reveals the means of reaching the supreme Person. He is attainable through undivided devotion, and He is the one within whom all beings abide and by whom the whole universe is pervaded.
Essence
Undivided Devotion: The Key to the Supreme
After describing the supreme abode, Lord Krishna now answers the practical question: how can it be reached? His answer is simple and heartfelt. It is reached through bhakti, devotion that is wholly directed to Him.
Puruṣaḥ sa paraḥ pārtha (that Supreme Person, O Pārtha): The word puruṣa refers to the Supreme Being in a personal aspect. The Lord is not merely an abstract principle but a divine Person who can be known and loved. He is para, the highest, beyond all that is manifest or unmanifest.
Bhaktyā labhyas tv ananyayā (attainable only by undivided devotion): The word ananyā means 'not directed to another'. This devotion is single-hearted, not divided among various objects of worship or desire. Knowledge, discipline, and ritual are all valuable, but they find their completion in devotion. The Lord, being a Person, is won by love more than by effort alone.
Yasyāntaḥsthāni bhūtāni (within whom all beings abide): All beings exist within the Supreme, just as objects exist within space. He is not far away from the world, since the world rests in Him.
Yena sarvam idaṁ tatam (by whom all this is pervaded): The word tatam means 'spread out' or 'pervaded'. The Lord pervades the entire universe, like a thread running through every pearl or like water pervading a sponge.
Both near and beyond: The verse expresses a remarkable balance. The Lord is the highest, beyond all things, and at the same time all things are in Him, and He pervades them. He is both transcendent and immanent. This means that devotion can be offered to Him anywhere, because He is present everywhere.
The nature of undivided devotion: This does not require withdrawing from the world. It means that, at the deepest level, the heart's central loyalty rests with the Lord. Other relationships and duties are carried out in that light.
Message for Everyday Life (Wholehearted Love)
Do not split your heart: If our deepest sense of security depends on many things at once, such as status, wealth, and approval, it is easily shaken.
Practical approach: Choose one central ideal or relationship to anchor your life in, and let it guide your other decisions. Express your devotion in daily life through small acts, such as service, gratitude, and sincere prayer. A wholehearted center provides stability and removes the confusion of conflicting loyalties.
Undivided Devotion: The Key to the Supreme
After describing the supreme abode, Lord Krishna now answers the practical question: how can it be reached? His answer is simple and heartfelt. It is reached through bhakti, devotion that is wholly directed to Him.
Puruṣaḥ sa paraḥ pārtha (that Supreme Person, O Pārtha): The word puruṣa refers to the Supreme Being in a personal aspect. The Lord is not merely an abstract principle but a divine Person who can be known and loved. He is para, the highest, beyond all that is manifest or unmanifest.
Bhaktyā labhyas tv ananyayā (attainable only by undivided devotion): The word ananyā means 'not directed to another'. This devotion is single-hearted, not divided among various objects of worship or desire. Knowledge, discipline, and ritual are all valuable, but they find their completion in devotion. The Lord, being a Person, is won by love more than by effort alone.
Yasyāntaḥsthāni bhūtāni (within whom all beings abide): All beings exist within the Supreme, just as objects exist within space. He is not far away from the world, since the world rests in Him.
Yena sarvam idaṁ tatam (by whom all this is pervaded): The word tatam means 'spread out' or 'pervaded'. The Lord pervades the entire universe, like a thread running through every pearl or like water pervading a sponge.
Both near and beyond: The verse expresses a remarkable balance. The Lord is the highest, beyond all things, and at the same time all things are in Him, and He pervades them. He is both transcendent and immanent. This means that devotion can be offered to Him anywhere, because He is present everywhere.
The nature of undivided devotion: This does not require withdrawing from the world. It means that, at the deepest level, the heart's central loyalty rests with the Lord. Other relationships and duties are carried out in that light.
Message for Everyday Life (Wholehearted Love)
Do not split your heart: If our deepest sense of security depends on many things at once, such as status, wealth, and approval, it is easily shaken.
Practical approach: Choose one central ideal or relationship to anchor your life in, and let it guide your other decisions. Express your devotion in daily life through small acts, such as service, gratitude, and sincere prayer. A wholehearted center provides stability and removes the confusion of conflicting loyalties.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has said that the supreme Person is attained by undivided devotion and that all beings abide in Him. He now turns to a different subject: the times at which yogis depart from the world and either return or do not return, which He introduces in the next verse.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Undivided love finds what divided effort cannot.
The One is within and around all.
All beings live in the same Presence.
A single-hearted devotion is a strong devotion.
Sincerity is the language the Supreme hears.
No being lies outside the Divine.
The Supreme is nearer than any reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ananyayā bhaktyā' (by undivided devotion) mean?
What does 'yasya antaḥ-sthāni bhūtāni' (in whom all beings dwell) mean?
What does 'yena sarvam idam tatam' (by whom all this is pervaded) mean?
Is the Supreme attained by knowledge or effort alone?
What is the practical message of this verse?
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