Chapter 9 Verse 18
Rāja Vidyā Yog
गतिर्भर्ता प्रभुः साक्षी निवासः शरणं सुहृत्। प्रभवः प्रलयः स्थानं निधानं बीजमव्ययम्।।9.18।।
gatir bhartā prabhuḥ sākṣhī nivāsaḥ śharaṇaṁ suhṛit prabhavaḥ pralayaḥ sthānaṁ nidhānaṁ bījam avyayam
Word Meanings
| gatiḥ | the supreme goal |
| bhartā | sustainer |
| prabhuḥ | master |
| sākṣhī | witness |
| nivāsaḥ | abode |
| śharaṇam | shelter |
| su-hṛit | friend |
| prabhavaḥ | the origin |
| pralayaḥ | dissolution |
| sthānam | store house |
| nidhānam | resting place |
| bījam | seed |
| avyayam | imperishable |
Translation
I am the goal, the supporter, the Lord, the witness, the abode, the shelter, the friend, the origin, the dissolution, the foundation, the treasure-house, and the imperishable seed.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says the Divine is everything: the final goal, the support of life, the witness of all actions, and the safe home we can rely on. It tells us God is both the source of creation and the one into whom everything returns.
Calling the Divine a friend and shelter means we can trust an inner presence that cares and steadies us. Calling it the imperishable seed points to a reality or self that does not die and from which new life grows.
Practically, it invites us to see life as supported by a steady center. If we live with that view, fear of loss and death eases, and our choices become more calm and purposeful.
Life Application
- When you feel shaken, pause and notice the quiet witness within you instead of reacting—this builds calm and wise response.
- Treat daily choices as seeds: act kindly and with purpose, knowing small habits shape long-term life.
- In hard times, turn inward for shelter or reach out in simple trust to a supportive friend or practice that keeps you steady.
Reflection Question
What small action today will you plant as a seed for your deeper wellbeing?