Chapter 9 Verse 24
Rāja Vidyā Yog
अहं हि सर्वयज्ञानां भोक्ता च प्रभुरेव च। न तु मामभिजानन्ति तत्त्वेनातश्च्यवन्ति ते।।9.24।।
ahaṁ hi sarva-yajñānāṁ bhoktā cha prabhureva cha na tu mām abhijānanti tattvenātaśh chyavanti te
Word Meanings
| aham | I |
| hi | verily |
| sarva | of all |
| yajñānām | sacrifices |
| bhoktā | the enjoyer |
| cha | and |
| prabhuḥ | the Lord |
| eva | only |
| cha | and |
| na | not |
| tu | but |
| mām | me |
| abhijānanti | realize |
| tattvena | divine nature |
| ataḥ | therefore |
| chyavanti | fall down (wander in samsara) |
| te | they |
Translation
For I alone am the enjoyer and Lord of all sacrifices; but they do not know Me in reality, and thus they return to this mortal world.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that the Divine alone is the true enjoyer and master of all sacrifices and acts. Rituals and offerings point to a relationship with that One, not just to the outward deed.
Many people perform ceremonies without realizing the inner reality behind them. Because they do not know God as the inner Lord, their practices do not free them and they remain bound to worldly life.
True spiritual progress comes when we recognize the Divine presence behind all actions and surrender to it. Then rites become living devotion, actions lose selfishness, and we move toward freedom instead of repeating old patterns.
Life Application
- Before any task, make a simple inner offering — mentally dedicate the action to a higher reality to reduce ego and anxiety.
- When results come, accept them as belonging to a larger plan; this builds calm and less attachment to success or failure.
- Match outward practices (rituals, prayer) with inner reflection or brief meditation so your actions become heartfelt, not just routine.
Reflection Question
Do I treat my actions as offerings to something greater, or do I act only for personal gain?