Bhagavad Gita 18.67 — Idam Te Natapaskyaya — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १८.६७ — इदं ते नातपस्काय
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
इदम्
idam
this (knowledge)
ते
te
by you
न अतपस्काय
na atapaskāya
not to one devoid of austerity
न अभक्ताय
na abhaktāya
not to one without devotion
कदाचन
kadāchana
ever; at any time
न च अशुश्रूषवे
na cha aśhuśhrūṣhave
nor to one unwilling to listen / who renders no service
वाच्यम्
vāchyam
to be spoken; should be taught
न च
na cha
and not
माम्
mām
of Me; toward Me
यः अभ्यसूयति
yaḥ abhyasūyati
one who cavils at or envies (Me)
Complete Translation
This (knowledge) is never to be spoken by you to one who is without austerity, nor to one without devotion, nor to one unwilling to listen, nor to one who cavils at Me.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 67
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eighteenth chapter, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, immediately after giving His supreme teaching of surrender, Krishna instructs Arjuna on the proper transmission of this sacred knowledge. He cautions that it must never be imparted to the undisciplined, undevoted, unwilling or scornful — preserving the sanctity of the Gita's highest wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Krishna say in Bhagavad Gita 18.67?▼
Krishna tells Arjuna that this sacred knowledge should never be taught to one who lacks austerity, has no devotion, is unwilling to listen, or who is envious of and speaks ill of the Lord. It is to be shared only with the sincere and reverent.
Why should this knowledge not be taught to everyone?▼
The highest wisdom bears fruit only in a prepared heart. One without devotion, discipline or willingness to listen, or who scorns the Lord, cannot truly receive it and may misuse or mock it. The verse protects the sanctity and effectiveness of sacred teaching.
Who is worthy to receive the Gita's teaching?▼
By implication, the worthy student is one with some austerity or self-discipline, devotion to the Lord, eagerness to listen, and freedom from envy or scorn. Cultivating these qualities makes one a fit and receptive vessel for the Gita's wisdom.
How does this verse relate to 18.68?▼
While this verse says to whom the knowledge should not be taught, the next verse (18.68) praises those who do teach it with devotion to fellow devotees, promising they will attain the Lord. Together they guide the proper, reverent transmission of the Gita.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →