
8
CHAPTER
VERSE
27
नैते सृती पार्थ जानन्योगी मुह्यति कश्चन |
तस्मात्सर्वेषु कालेषु योगयुक्तो भवार्जुन || 8.27 ||
Naite śrūti pārtha jānanyogī muhyati kaścana
Tasmāt sarveṣu kāleṣu yogayukto bhavārjuna ||
Arjuna, none of these paths, for those who know them, lead to delusion. Therefore, at all times, be engaged in yoga, O Arjuna.
Lesson:
None of the paths of spiritual practice lead to delusion for those who understand them correctly. Krishna emphasizes the importance of engaging in yoga consistently and wholeheartedly at all times. He addresses Arjuna as "Partha," referring to him as the son of Pritha, another name for his mother Kunti. By doing so, Krishna expresses affection and familiarity towards Arjuna, reinforcing their close relationship and the significance of his guidance.
The term "naite" means "none of these" or "neither of these." Krishna uses it to indicate that none of the paths of spiritual practice, including knowledge (jnana), devotion (bhakti), and selfless action (karma), lead to delusion for those who have a clear understanding of their essence and purpose.
Krishna then advises Arjuna to remain engaged in yoga (yogayukto) at all times (sarveshu kaleṣu). Yoga here refers to the practice of union or connection with the divine, encompassing various paths such as knowledge, devotion, meditation, and selfless action. By staying devoted to the path of yoga, Arjuna can maintain clarity of mind, focus, and spiritual progress, regardless of the circumstances or challenges he faces.
The term "bhava" in "bhavārjuna" means "become" or "be." Krishna addresses Arjuna as "bhava Arjuna," encouraging him to become or remain steadfast in his commitment to yoga. This signifies Krishna's encouragement for Arjuna to embody the qualities of a yogi, such as discipline, devotion, and inner strength, as he navigates the trials and tribulations of life.
Overall, this verse emphasizes the universality of the paths of spiritual practice and their efficacy in leading individuals towards spiritual awakening and liberation. It underscores the importance of steadfast dedication to the path of yoga as a means to overcome delusion, attain inner peace, and ultimately realize one's true nature and connection with the divine.