Chapter 8 Verse 28
Akṣhar Brahma Yog
वेदेषु यज्ञेषु तपःसु चैव दानेषु यत्पुण्यफलं प्रदिष्टम्। अत्येति तत्सर्वमिदं विदित्वा योगी परं स्थानमुपैति चाद्यम्।।8.28।।
vedeṣhu yajñeṣhu tapaḥsu chaiva dāneṣhu yat puṇya-phalaṁ pradiṣhṭam atyeti tat sarvam idaṁ viditvā yogī paraṁ sthānam upaiti chādyam
Word Meanings
| vedeṣhu | in the study of the Vedas |
| yajñeṣhu | in performance of sacrifices |
| tapaḥsu | in austerities |
| cha | and |
| eva | certainly |
| dāneṣhu | in giving charities |
| yat | which |
| puṇya-phalam | fruit of merit |
| pradiṣhṭam | is gained |
| atyeti | surpasses |
| tat sarvam | all |
| idam | this |
| viditvā | having known |
| yogī | a yogi |
| param | Supreme |
| sthānam | Abode |
| upaiti | achieves |
| cha | and |
| ādyam | original |
Translation
Whatever fruit of merit is declared (in the scriptures) to accrue from (the study of) the Vedas, (the performance of) sacrifices, (the practice of) austerities, and gifts, beyond all this goes the Yogi, having known this; and he attains to the Supreme, Primeval (first or ancient) Abode.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse says that the good results from studying scriptures, performing rituals, doing penance, or giving charity are real but limited. A true yogi sees that these rewards are temporary and of a lower order.
Knowing this, the yogi goes beyond the idea of earning merit and turns inward. That deeper knowing leads to the Supreme, the original and lasting home of the self. In other words, inner realization and union with the source are higher than outward religious achievements.
Life Application
- Use rituals and charity as supports, not as ends. Let them prepare the heart rather than become your goal.
- Spend time daily in quiet reflection or meditation to connect with the deeper purpose behind your actions.
- When you act, focus on sincerity and inner growth instead of counting rewards or recognition.
Reflection Question
Am I practicing religion for praise and reward, or to deepen my inner connection with the Divine?