Chapter 7 Verse 16
Jñāna Vijñāna Yog
चतुर्विधा भजन्ते मां जनाः सुकृतिनोऽर्जुन। आर्तो जिज्ञासुरर्थार्थी ज्ञानी च भरतर्षभ।।7.16।।
chatur-vidhā bhajante māṁ janāḥ sukṛitino ’rjuna ārto jijñāsur arthārthī jñānī cha bharatarṣhabha
Word Meanings
| chatuḥ-vidhāḥ | four kinds |
| bhajante | worship |
| mām | me |
| janāḥ | people |
| su-kṛitinaḥ | those who are pious |
| arjuna | Arjun |
| ārtaḥ | the distressed |
| jijñāsuḥ | the seekers of knowledge |
| artha-arthī | the seekers of material gain |
| jñānī | those who are situated in knowledge |
| cha | and |
| bharata-ṛiṣhabha | The best amongst the Bharatas, Arjun |
Translation
Four kinds of virtuous men worship Me, O Arjuna, and they are the distressed, the seekers of knowledge, the seekers of wealth, and the wise, O Lord of the Bharatas.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse shows that people come to God for different reasons: pain, curiosity, desire for gain, or true wisdom. All these motives are natural and valid ways to reach the Divine.
It also teaches that the Divine accepts sincere turning toward God, no matter the starting point. Even a worried heart or a practical need can become a doorway to deeper trust and understanding.
Over time, inward practice can change motives. A person who begins with need or desire can grow into a steady seeker and finally into someone established in wisdom and love.
Life Application
- When you feel distressed, make a simple prayer or pause and surrender your worry—this can bring immediate peace and open your heart.
- If you are seeking knowledge, set aside regular time to read, reflect, and ask sincere questions instead of only collecting facts.
- If you are working for money or success, keep your effort honest and offer the results to a higher purpose; this transforms ambition into service.
Reflection Question
Which of these four types are you now, and how can that position help you grow spiritually?