Chapter 5 Verse 16
Karm Sanyās Yog
ज्ञानेन तु तदज्ञानं येषां नाशितमात्मनः। तेषामादित्यवज्ज्ञानं प्रकाशयति तत्परम्।।5.16।।
jñānena tu tad ajñānaṁ yeṣhāṁ nāśhitam ātmanaḥ teṣhām āditya-vaj jñānaṁ prakāśhayati tat param
Word Meanings
| jñānena | by divine knowledge |
| tu | but |
| tat | that |
| ajñānam | ignorance |
| yeṣhām | whose |
| nāśhitam | has been destroyed |
| ātmanaḥ | of the self |
| teṣhām | their |
| āditya-vat | like the sun |
| jñānam | knowledge |
| prakāśhayati | illumines |
| tat | that |
| param | Supreme Entity |
Translation
But to those whose ignorance is destroyed by knowledge of the Self, like the sun, knowledge reveals the Supreme Brahman.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
When a person removes inner ignorance through true knowledge of the Self, the highest Reality becomes clear to them, like the sun revealing the world. This knowledge is not just information but a direct inner seeing of who you really are beyond body and mind.
The verse says that once false ideas about the self are destroyed, pure awareness naturally shines and shows the Supreme. In other words, self-knowledge dissolves fear, doubt, and separation, and brings steady clarity and peace.
This light of understanding changes how you live: actions become calmer, priorities shift from ego-driven goals to what is truly meaningful, and you recognize the unity behind diversity.
Life Application
- Spend a few minutes each day in simple self-inquiry or quiet meditation to notice "Who am I?" beyond roles and thoughts.
- Notice and question assumptions that create stress (e.g., "I must always succeed" or "I am only this job"); replacing them with deeper awareness reduces suffering.
- Let clarity guide actions: when you act from calm awareness rather than reactivity, your choices become wiser and more helpful to others.
Reflection Question
What one belief about yourself could you examine today to see if it hides a deeper truth?