Bhagavad Gita · Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga — Knowledge and Renunciation of Action
Chapter 4, Verse 17
"Bhagavad Gita 4.17" — meaning and explanation.
कर्मणो ह्यपि बोद्धव्यं बोद्धव्यं च विकर्मणः | अकर्मणश्च बोद्धव्यं गहना कर्मणो गतिः
karmaṇo hyapi boddhavyaṃ boddhavyaṃ ca vikarmaṇaḥ . akarmaṇaśca boddhavyaṃ gahanā karmaṇo gatiḥ
Meaning
4.17 For verily (the true nature) of action (enjoined by the scriptures) should be known, also (that) of forbidden (or unlawful) action, and of inaction; hard to understand is the nature (path) of action.
।।4.17।। कर्म का (स्वरूप) जानना चाहिये और विकर्म का (स्वरूप) भी जानना चाहिये ; (बोद्धव्यम्) तथा अकर्म का भी (स्वरूप) जानना चाहिये (क्योंकि) कर्म की गति गहन है।।
Explanation
4.17 कर्मणः of action? हि for? अपि also? बोद्धव्यम् should be known? बोद्धव्यम् should be known? च and? विकर्मणः of the forbidden action? अकर्मणः of inaction? च and? बोद्धव्यम् should be known? गहना deep? कर्मणः of action? गतिः the path.No Commentary.
Life Lesson
Study Bhagavad Gita 4.17 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.
Context
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, verse 17, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.
Bhagavad Gita 4.17
This page presents the Sanskrit verse, transliteration, Hindi meaning, English meaning, and a simple explanation for study. For a fuller understanding, read this shloka in sequence with the rest of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhagavad Gita 4.17 mean?
4.17 For verily (the true nature) of action (enjoined by the scriptures) should be known, also (that) of forbidden (or unlawful) action, and of inaction; hard to understand is the nature (path) of action.
What is the life lesson of this verse?
Study Bhagavad Gita 4.17 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.
What is the context of this verse?
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, verse 17, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.