Chapter 18 Verse 50
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
सिद्धिं प्राप्तो यथा ब्रह्म तथाप्नोति निबोध मे।समासेनैव कौन्तेय निष्ठा ज्ञानस्य या परा।।18.50।।
siddhiṁ prāpto yathā brahma tathāpnoti nibodha me samāsenaiva kaunteya niṣhṭhā jñānasya yā parā
Word Meanings
| siddhim | perfection |
| prāptaḥ | attained |
| yathā | how |
| brahma | Brahman |
| tathā | also |
| āpnoti | attain |
| nibodha | hear |
| me | from me |
| samāsena | briefly |
| eva | indeed |
| kaunteya | Arjun, the son of Kunti |
| niṣhṭhā | firmly fixed |
| jñānasya | of knowledge |
| yā | which |
| parā | transcendental |
Translation
Learn from Me, O Arjuna, in brief how one who has attained perfection reaches Brahman—the Eternal, that supreme state of knowledge.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna offers a short, clear teaching: he will explain how a person who has reached inner perfection can realize Brahman, the highest reality. "Perfection" here means a steady heart and clear understanding, not just outward success.
Reaching Brahman is about firm, constant knowledge — being established in truth rather than being tossed by fear, desire, or doubt. It is a practical inner change: steadiness in action, detachment from results, and clear self-understanding lead to that supreme state.
This verse reminds us that ultimate spiritual growth is simple in aim even if subtle in practice. Small, steady shifts in how we think and act bring us closer to lasting peace and wisdom.
Life Application
- Set a brief daily habit (quiet reflection, breath awareness, or reading a short teaching) and do it consistently to build inner steadiness.
- Practice doing your duties with care but without clinging to results; notice how this calms anxiety and opens clarity.
- Turn moments of strong emotion into short checks: ask what truth you can hold onto now instead of getting swept away.
Reflection Question
What small, steady practice can I start today to ground myself in clearer, calmer knowing?