Bhagavad Gita 18.20 — Sarva-bhuteshu Yenaikam — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १८.२० — सर्वभूतेषु येनैकम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
सर्वभूतेषु
sarva-bhūteṣhu
in all beings
येन
yena
by which
एकम्
ekam
one; the single (Reality)
भावम्
bhāvam
being; nature; essence
अव्ययम्
avyayam
imperishable; indestructible
ईक्षते
īkṣhate
one sees; perceives
अविभक्तम्
avibhaktam
undivided
विभक्तेषु
vibhakteṣhu
in the divided (separate beings)
तत् ज्ञानम्
tat jñānam
that knowledge
विद्धि
viddhi
know; understand
सात्त्विकम्
sāttvikam
in the mode of goodness (sattva)
Complete Translation
That knowledge by which one sees the one imperishable Reality in all beings — undivided amid the divided — know that knowledge to be in the mode of goodness (sattvic).
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 20
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eighteenth chapter, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Krishna analyses knowledge, action and the doer according to the three modes of nature. Describing the threefold division of knowledge, He declares this highest, sattvic knowledge: the wisdom that perceives the one undivided, imperishable Reality present in all beings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhagavad Gita 18.20 describe?▼
It describes sattvic knowledge — the highest, purest form of knowledge. This is the wisdom by which one sees the single, undivided, imperishable Reality present in all beings, even though they appear separate and diverse.
What is the difference between sattvic, rajasic and tamasic knowledge?▼
Sattvic knowledge sees the one undivided Reality in all beings (this verse). Rajasic knowledge sees only manifold separate entities as distinct realities. Tamasic knowledge clings irrationally to one thing as if it were everything. Sattvic knowledge is the purest and leads to liberation.
How does this verse relate to seeing God in all?▼
It teaches the vision of the one divine Self present equally in every being. This is closely related to the Gita's repeated theme of seeing the Lord in all and all in the Lord, which fosters universal love, equanimity and peace.
How can one cultivate this sattvic vision?▼
Through purifying the mind, meditation, and devotion, one gradually learns to look beyond surface differences and perceive the same imperishable Reality in everyone. Reciting and contemplating verses like this one helps train the heart in the vision of unity.
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