Chapter 7 Verse 3
Jñāna Vijñāna Yog
मनुष्याणां सहस्रेषु कश्िचद्यतति सिद्धये। यततामपि सिद्धानां कश्िचन्मां वेत्ति तत्त्वतः।।7.3।।
manuṣhyāṇāṁ sahasreṣhu kaśhchid yatati siddhaye yatatām api siddhānāṁ kaśhchin māṁ vetti tattvataḥ
Word Meanings
| manuṣhyāṇām | of men |
| sahasreṣhu | out of many thousands |
| kaśhchit | someone |
| yatati | strives |
| siddhaye | for perfection |
| yatatām | of those who strive |
| api | even |
| siddhānām | of those who have achieved perfection |
| kaśhchit | someone |
| mām | me |
| vetti | knows |
| tattvataḥ | in truth |
Translation
Among thousands of men, one may perchance strive for perfection; even among those successful strivers, only one may perchance know Me in essence.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that true spiritual effort and real knowledge are rare. Out of many people, only a few truly strive for perfection, and of those, very few truly know the deeper reality of the Divine.
It points out the difference between outer effort and inner realization. Many may follow rules, attend rituals, or read scriptures, but knowing the essence requires sincere inner change — purity, clarity, and direct experience, not just practice.
The teaching encourages humility and steady effort. Knowing the truth is not a quick achievement; it grows through honest practice, inner purification, and devotion. Even if few reach it, sincere striving itself is valuable.
Life Application
- Choose one or two simple daily practices (quiet meditation, honest self-reflection, or selfless service) and do them consistently rather than many scattered activities.
- Focus on inner honesty: notice motives behind actions and reduce ego-driven aims like praise or appearance.
- Seek a teacher or trusted guide and be patient — depth comes slowly through steady, sincere effort.
Reflection Question
Am I practicing with true honesty and patience to know the deeper truth, or am I only following outward habits?