Chapter 2, Verse 46
Sankhya Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
yāvān—whatever; arthaḥ—purpose; uda-pāne—a well of water; sarvataḥ—in all respects; sampluta-udake—by a large lake; tāvān—that many; sarveṣhu—in all; vedeṣhu—Vedas; brāhmaṇasya—one who realizes the Absolute Truth; vijānataḥ—who is in complete knowledge
English translation
To the Brahmana who has known the Self, all the Vedas are of as much use as a reservoir of water would be in a place where there is a flood.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 2.46
Commentary
Only for a sage who has realised the Self; the Vedas are of no use; because he is in possession of the infinite knowledge of the Self. This does not; however; mean that the Vedas are useless. They are useful for the neophytes or the aspirants who have just started on the spiritual path. All the transient pleasures derivable from the proper performance of all actions enjoined in the Vedas are comprehended in the infinite bliss of Selfknowledge.
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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