Bhagavad Gita 8.27 — No Yogi Who Knows the Two Paths Is Bewildered, So Be Steadfast in Yoga at All Times
नैते सृती पार्थ जानन्योगी मुह्यति कश्चन ।
तस्मात्सर्वेषु कालेषु योगयुक्तो भवार्जुन ॥ ८.२७ ॥
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O Arjuna, no yogi who knows these two paths is ever bewildered. Therefore, at all times be steadfast in yoga.
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 |
| ete | these two |
| sṛitī | paths |
| pārtha | O Arjuna, son of Pritha |
| jānan | knowing |
| yogī | the yogi |
| muhyati | is bewildered |
| kaśhchana | ever, any |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tasmāt | therefore |
| sarveṣhu | at all |
| kāleṣhu | times |
| yoga-yuktaḥ | steadfast in yoga |
| bhava | be |
| arjuna | O Arjuna |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| na | not | tasmāt | therefore |
| ete | these two | sarveṣhu | at all |
| sṛitī | paths | kāleṣhu | times |
| pārtha | O Arjuna, son of Pritha | yoga-yuktaḥ | steadfast in yoga |
| jānan | knowing | bhava | be |
| yogī | the yogi | arjuna | O Arjuna |
| muhyati | is bewildered | ||
| kaśhchana | ever, any | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna now explains the benefit of knowing these two paths. The yogi who understands them is never bewildered, and therefore Arjuna is urged to be steadfast in yoga at all times.
Essence
The Yogi Who Knows the Two Paths Is Never Confused
After describing the two paths, Lord Krishna now draws a practical conclusion. Knowledge of these paths is not meant to become theoretical speculation, but to give clarity and steadiness in life.
Naite sṛtī pārtha jānan (knowing these two paths, O Pārtha): The word sṛti means path or course. A person who truly understands that there are two directions, one leading to freedom and the other to return, has a clear map of life's possibilities.
Yogī muhyati kaścana (the yogi is never bewildered): The word muhyati means 'is deluded' or 'is confused'. Much of human confusion arises from not knowing what is truly important. A person who understands the larger picture is not shaken by temporary gains and losses, nor misled by the glitter of temporary pleasures. They do not mistake a temporary heaven for the final goal.
Tasmāt sarveṣu kāleṣu (therefore, at all times): The word tasmāt means 'therefore'. Because of this knowledge, the conclusion follows that the practice must be continuous, not occasional. We cannot wait for a particular time or stage of life to begin.
Yoga-yukto bhavārjuna (be steadfast in yoga, O Arjuna): This is the direct instruction. Be established in yoga, in union with the Divine, through steady practice and inner discipline. Yoga here refers to the whole discipline of connecting one's mind and heart to the Supreme in all circumstances.
Knowledge leading to action: The verse shows a typical Gita pattern: understanding leads to a clear instruction. The knowledge of the two paths is not to be admired as a piece of information, but to be applied in a steady, daily practice.
Freedom from confusion: The confusion the Gita refers to is not only philosophical but practical, the day-to-day uncertainty about what to pursue and how to live. A clear vision of the ultimate goal simplifies life.
Message for Everyday Life (Clarity Brings Steadiness)
Clarify your core priorities: Many people drift because they have never thought carefully about what matters most.
Practical approach: Write down your top three life priorities, and check whether your daily time and energy reflect them. Let these priorities guide your decisions, and cultivate a regular spiritual practice that keeps you connected to them. With clear priorities, you will find it easier to resist distractions and stay calm during difficulties.
The Yogi Who Knows the Two Paths Is Never Confused
After describing the two paths, Lord Krishna now draws a practical conclusion. Knowledge of these paths is not meant to become theoretical speculation, but to give clarity and steadiness in life.
Naite sṛtī pārtha jānan (knowing these two paths, O Pārtha): The word sṛti means path or course. A person who truly understands that there are two directions, one leading to freedom and the other to return, has a clear map of life's possibilities.
Yogī muhyati kaścana (the yogi is never bewildered): The word muhyati means 'is deluded' or 'is confused'. Much of human confusion arises from not knowing what is truly important. A person who understands the larger picture is not shaken by temporary gains and losses, nor misled by the glitter of temporary pleasures. They do not mistake a temporary heaven for the final goal.
Tasmāt sarveṣu kāleṣu (therefore, at all times): The word tasmāt means 'therefore'. Because of this knowledge, the conclusion follows that the practice must be continuous, not occasional. We cannot wait for a particular time or stage of life to begin.
Yoga-yukto bhavārjuna (be steadfast in yoga, O Arjuna): This is the direct instruction. Be established in yoga, in union with the Divine, through steady practice and inner discipline. Yoga here refers to the whole discipline of connecting one's mind and heart to the Supreme in all circumstances.
Knowledge leading to action: The verse shows a typical Gita pattern: understanding leads to a clear instruction. The knowledge of the two paths is not to be admired as a piece of information, but to be applied in a steady, daily practice.
Freedom from confusion: The confusion the Gita refers to is not only philosophical but practical, the day-to-day uncertainty about what to pursue and how to live. A clear vision of the ultimate goal simplifies life.
Message for Everyday Life (Clarity Brings Steadiness)
Clarify your core priorities: Many people drift because they have never thought carefully about what matters most.
Practical approach: Write down your top three life priorities, and check whether your daily time and energy reflect them. Let these priorities guide your decisions, and cultivate a regular spiritual practice that keeps you connected to them. With clear priorities, you will find it easier to resist distractions and stay calm during difficulties.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has urged Arjuna to remain steadfast in yoga at all times. He now concludes the chapter by describing the unique reward of the knower of these truths, who surpasses the merit of all other pursuits, 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
Be steady at all times and no time will be wrong.
Knowledge is the end of bewilderment.
Practice daily so that every day is prepared.
A united mind meets every moment calmly.
The best preparation is constancy.
Confusion ends where steady practice begins.
Stay united, and timing takes care of itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'na muhyati' (is not bewildered) mean?
What does 'yoga-yuktaḥ' (steadfast in yoga) mean?
Why does Krishna say 'sarveṣhu kāleṣhu' (at all times)?
How does this verse relate to the previous teaching about paths?
What is the practical message of this verse?
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