Chapter 13 Verse 26
Kṣhetra Kṣhetrajña Vibhāg Yog
अन्ये त्वेवमजानन्तः श्रुत्वाऽन्येभ्य उपासते।तेऽपि चातितरन्त्येव मृत्युं श्रुतिपरायणाः।।13.26।।
anye tv evam ajānantaḥ śhrutvānyebhya upāsate te ’pi chātitaranty eva mṛityuṁ śhruti-parāyaṇāḥ
Word Meanings
| anye | others |
| tu | still |
| evam | thus |
| ajānantaḥ | those who are unaware (of spiritual paths) |
| śhrutvā | by hearing |
| anyebhyaḥ | from others |
| upāsate | begin to worship |
| te | they |
| api | also |
| cha | and |
| atitaranti | cross over |
| eva | even |
| mṛityum | death |
| śhruti-parāyaṇāḥ | devotion to hearing (from saints) |
Translation
Others, too, who do not know thus, worship, having heard of It from others; they, too, cross beyond death, regarding what they have heard as the supreme refuge.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that even people who do not fully understand the deeper truth can still benefit by hearing and following sacred teaching. When they listen to wise words and take them as a guide, they begin to worship and orient their life around that truth.
By trusting and practicing what they have heard—often passed down through teachers or a tradition—they overcome the hold of death and fear. "Crossing death" here means moving beyond the limited sense of self, the grip of worry about life and death, and the repeated patterns that bind them.
The teaching highlights the power of humble hearing and steady faith: understanding grows with practice, but even a simple, sincere turning toward the wisdom of the tradition can bring real spiritual change.
Life Application
- Make time each day to listen to or read uplifting teachings (short talks, scriptures, or trusted teachers).
- Put small lessons into practice—simple meditation, prayer, or kind action—rather than waiting for perfect understanding.
- Stay connected with a sincere community or teacher who can support steady practice and clarify doubts.
Reflection Question
Am I willing to follow and practice wise teachings even before I fully understand them?