Bhagavad Gita · Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga — Knowledge and Renunciation of Action

Chapter 4, Verse 25

"Bhagavad Gita 4.25" — meaning and explanation.

Meaning

4.25 Some Yogies perform sacrifice to the gods alone; while others (who have realised the Self) offer the self as sacrifice by the Self in the fire of Brahman alone.

।।4.25।। कोई योगीजन देवताओं के पूजनरूप यज्ञ को ही करते हैं ; और दूसरे (ज्ञानीजन) ब्रह्मरूप अग्नि में यज्ञ के द्वारा यज्ञ को हवन करते हैं।।

Explanation

4.25 दैवम् pertaining to Devas? एव only? अपरे some? यज्ञम् sacrifice? योगिनः Yogis? पर्युपासते perform? ब्रह्माग्नौ in the fire of Brahman? अपरे others? यज्ञम् sacrifice? यज्ञेन by sacrifice? एव verily? उपजुह्वति offer as sacrifice.Commentary Some Yogis who are devoted to Karma Yoga perform sacrificial rites to the shining ones or Devas (gods). The second Yajna is JnanaYajna or the wisdom sacrifice performed by those who are devoted to Jnana Yoga. The oblation in this sacrifice is the Self. Yajna here means the Self. The Upadhis or the limiting adjuncts such as the physical body? the mind? the intellect? etc.? which are superimposed on Brahman through ignorance are sublated and the identity of the individual soul with the Supreme Soul or Brahman is realised. To sacrifice the self in Brahman is to know through direct cognition (Aparoksha Anubhuti) that the individual soul is identical with Brahman. This is the highest Yajna. Those who are established in Brahman? those who have realised their oneness with the Supreme Soul or Paramatma perform this kind of sacrifice. This is superior to all other sacrifices.

Life Lesson

Study Bhagavad Gita 4.25 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.

Context

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, verse 25, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.

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