Bhagavad Gita 8.3 — Krishna Defines Brahman, the Self and Action
श्रीभगवानुवाच ।
अक्षरं ब्रह्म परमं स्वभावोऽध्यात्ममुच्यते ।
भूतभावोद्भवकरो विसर्गः कर्मसंज्ञितः ॥ ८.३ ॥
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The Supreme Lord said: The imperishable, supreme being is Brahman. One's own inherent nature is called adhyātma (the Self). The creative action that causes the origin and growth of living beings is called karma (action).
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| akṣharam | imperishable |
| brahma | Brahman, the Supreme Reality |
| paramam | supreme |
| svabhāvaḥ | one's own nature, the inherent nature of the being |
| adhyātmam | adhyātma, the nature of the individual Self |
| uchyate | is called |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| bhūta-bhāva-udbhava-karaḥ | that which causes the origin and growth of living beings |
| visargaḥ | creative action, the offering that brings beings into existence |
| karma-saṁjñitaḥ | is called karma, is known as action |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| akṣharam | imperishable | bhūta-bhāva-udbhava-karaḥ | that which causes the origin and growth of living beings |
| brahma | Brahman, the Supreme Reality | visargaḥ | creative action, the offering that brings beings into existence |
| paramam | supreme | karma-saṁjñitaḥ | is called karma, is known as action |
| svabhāvaḥ | one's own nature, the inherent nature of the being | ||
| adhyātmam | adhyātma, the nature of the individual Self | ||
| uchyate | is called | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna begins to answer Arjuna's questions. He defines Brahman as the supreme imperishable, adhyātma as one's own inherent nature, and karma as the creative offering that gives rise to the existence of beings.
Essence
Brahman, Adhyātma, and Karma Defined
The Lord answers Arjuna's questions concisely, taking up the first three terms in this verse. His answers are brief but loaded with meaning.
Akṣaraṁ brahma paramam (Brahman is the supreme imperishable): The word akṣara means that which does not decay or perish. Everything in the world changes, including bodies, objects, and even stars, but Brahman is the unchanging Reality behind them all. It is the ultimate foundation of existence, beyond birth and death.
Svabhāvo 'dhyātmam ucyate (one's own inherent nature is called adhyātma): Svabhāva refers to the innate nature of the individual self, the conscious being that dwells within each body. Adhyātma is thus the study and realisation of one's true nature as a spiritual being, distinct from the changing body and mind. It refers to what is truly our own, as opposed to what is borrowed from the external world.
Bhūta-bhāvodbhava-karaḥ (that which brings into being the existence of beings): This describes the creative force of karma in its cosmic sense. It is the process by which beings come into existence and are sustained.
Visargaḥ karma-saṁjñitaḥ (the offering or emission is called karma): The word visarga means 'emission', 'release', or 'offering'. In the context of the Vedic worldview, offerings made in sacrifice nourish the cosmic order, leading to rain, food, and the continuation of life. Karma in this deep sense is the great cycle of offering and return that sustains creation.
A coherent picture: In one verse, Lord Krishna gives a map of reality: the changeless Brahman, the inner self belonging to each being, and the creative action that sustains the world. These three are not separate subjects but connected parts of a single vision.
Message for Everyday Life (Knowing What Is Permanent and What Is Changing)
Distinguish between the lasting and the passing: A great deal of our worry is about things that are, by nature, temporary, such as status, possessions, and appearances.
Practical approach: When you feel anxious about a loss or a change, ask what within you remains constant through all of life's ups and downs. Make time for the practices that connect you to that lasting core, such as quiet reflection and prayer. Treat your daily work as an offering to something larger, which gives it dignity and reduces the pressure of results.
Brahman, Adhyātma, and Karma Defined
The Lord answers Arjuna's questions concisely, taking up the first three terms in this verse. His answers are brief but loaded with meaning.
Akṣaraṁ brahma paramam (Brahman is the supreme imperishable): The word akṣara means that which does not decay or perish. Everything in the world changes, including bodies, objects, and even stars, but Brahman is the unchanging Reality behind them all. It is the ultimate foundation of existence, beyond birth and death.
Svabhāvo 'dhyātmam ucyate (one's own inherent nature is called adhyātma): Svabhāva refers to the innate nature of the individual self, the conscious being that dwells within each body. Adhyātma is thus the study and realisation of one's true nature as a spiritual being, distinct from the changing body and mind. It refers to what is truly our own, as opposed to what is borrowed from the external world.
Bhūta-bhāvodbhava-karaḥ (that which brings into being the existence of beings): This describes the creative force of karma in its cosmic sense. It is the process by which beings come into existence and are sustained.
Visargaḥ karma-saṁjñitaḥ (the offering or emission is called karma): The word visarga means 'emission', 'release', or 'offering'. In the context of the Vedic worldview, offerings made in sacrifice nourish the cosmic order, leading to rain, food, and the continuation of life. Karma in this deep sense is the great cycle of offering and return that sustains creation.
A coherent picture: In one verse, Lord Krishna gives a map of reality: the changeless Brahman, the inner self belonging to each being, and the creative action that sustains the world. These three are not separate subjects but connected parts of a single vision.
Message for Everyday Life (Knowing What Is Permanent and What Is Changing)
Distinguish between the lasting and the passing: A great deal of our worry is about things that are, by nature, temporary, such as status, possessions, and appearances.
Practical approach: When you feel anxious about a loss or a change, ask what within you remains constant through all of life's ups and downs. Make time for the practices that connect you to that lasting core, such as quiet reflection and prayer. Treat your daily work as an offering to something larger, which gives it dignity and reduces the pressure of results.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has defined Brahman, adhyātma, and karma. He now continues His answers, explaining the remaining terms: adhibhūta, adhidaiva, and adhiyajña.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Everything changes except what holds the change.
Know your nature, and you know your direction.
Work that nourishes life is worship.
Clear words clear the mind.
Every being helps creation go on.
The Self is closer than the closest thought.
Look for the one thing that does not end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'akṣharam brahma paramam' (the supreme imperishable Brahman) mean?
What is 'svabhāvaḥ' (one's own nature), and how is it called 'adhyātmam' (the nature of the Self)?
What is 'visargaḥ' (creative action, offering)?
How does this verse answer Arjuna's questions?
What is the practical message of this verse?
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