Chapter 8, Verse 28
Akshara Brahma Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
vedeṣhu—in the study of the Vedas; yajñeṣhu—in performance of sacrifices; tapaḥsu—in austerities; cha—and; eva—certainly; dāneṣhu—in giving charities; yat—which; puṇya-phalam—fruit of merit; pradiṣhṭam—is gained; atyeti—surpasses; tat sarvam—all; idam—this; viditvā—having known; yogī—a yogi; param—Supreme; sthānam—Abode; upaiti—achieves; cha—and; ādyam—original
English translation
Whatever fruit of merit is declared (in the scriptures) to accrue from (the study of) the Vedas, (the performance of) sacrifices, (the practice of) austerities, and gifts, beyond all this goes the Yogi, having known this; and he attains to the Supreme, Primeval (first or ancient) Abode.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 8.28
Commentary
The glory of Yoga is described in this verse. Whatever meritorious effect is declared in the scriptures to accrue from the proper study of the Vedas; from the performance of sacrifices properly; from the practice of austerities -- above all these rises the Yogi who rightly understands and follows the teaching imparted by Lord Krishna in His answers to the seven estions put by Arjuna; and who meditates on Brahman. He attains to the Supreme Abode of Brahman Which existed even in the beginning (primeval); and is the first or ancient. Idam Viditva Having known this. Having known properly the answers given by the Lord to the seven estions put by Arjuna at the beginning of this chapter.(This chapter is known by the name Abhyasa Yoga also.)Thus in the Upanishads of the glorious Bhagavad Gita; the science of the Eternal; the scripture of Yoga; the dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna; ends the eighth discourse entitledThe Yoga of the Imperishable Brahman.,
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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