Chapter 13 Verse 5
Kṣhetra Kṣhetrajña Vibhāg Yog
ऋषिभिर्बहुधा गीतं छन्दोभिर्विविधैः पृथक्।ब्रह्मसूत्रपदैश्चैव हेतुमद्भिर्विनिश्िचतैः।।13.5।।
ṛiṣhibhir bahudhā gītaṁ chhandobhir vividhaiḥ pṛithak brahma-sūtra-padaiśh chaiva hetumadbhir viniśhchitaiḥ
Word Meanings
| ṛiṣhibhiḥ | by great sages |
| bahudhā | in manifold ways |
| gītam | sung |
| chhandobhiḥ | in Vedic hymns |
| vividhaiḥ | various |
| pṛithak | variously |
| brahma-sūtra | the Brahma Sūtra |
| padaiḥ | by the hymns |
| cha | and |
| eva | especially |
| hetu-madbhiḥ | with logic |
| viniśhchitaiḥ | conclusive evidence |
Translation
Sages have sung in many ways, with various distinctive chants and also with suggestive words indicative of the Absolute, full of reasoning and decisive.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Great teachers and sages have described the Absolute in many different ways: through hymns, poetic chants, short sutras, and clear logical argument. Each method points toward the same reality but uses a different language or approach.
This verse shows that truth cannot be pinned to a single form of expression. Sometimes the heart is moved by song; sometimes the mind is convinced by reason; sometimes a short, direct saying cuts through confusion.
The teaching invites humility: accept that different paths and methods can all lead to the same goal. Look for the underlying meaning rather than getting stuck on outward words or styles.
Life Application
- Respect different spiritual practices and teachings; what helps someone else may not be your method, and that is okay.
- Use a mix: chant or prayer for the heart, study and reflection for the mind, and consistent practice to test what works.
- Learn from trusted teachers and check teachings by your own experience instead of accepting or rejecting them only by words.
Reflection Question
Which way—song, study, or reasoning—helps me most clearly connect with what feels deeply true?