Bhagavad Gita 18.68 — Ya Idam Paramam Guhyam — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १८.६८ — य इमं परमं गुह्यम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
यः
yaḥ
who
इमम्
idam
this
परमं गुह्यम्
paramaṁ guhyam
supreme secret; most confidential knowledge
मद्भक्तेषु
mad-bhakteṣhu
among My devotees
अभिधास्यति
abhidhāsyati
will explain; will teach
भक्तिम्
bhaktim
devotion; loving service
मयि
mayi
to Me
पराम्
parām
supreme; transcendental
कृत्वा
kṛitvā
having done; rendering
माम् एव
mām eva
to Me alone; certainly to Me
एष्यति
eṣhyati
comes; attains
असंशयः
asanśhayaḥ
without doubt; undoubtedly
Complete Translation
He who, with supreme devotion to Me, teaches this most secret knowledge to My devotees, will undoubtedly come to Me.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 68
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the closing portion of the eighteenth chapter, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, after imparting His supreme teaching, Krishna glorifies the Gita and those who engage with it. Here, in a verse belonging to the Gita's mahatmya, He promises that one who teaches this most secret knowledge to His devotees with supreme devotion will surely attain Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Krishna promise in Bhagavad Gita 18.68?▼
Krishna promises that whoever, with supreme devotion to Him, teaches this most secret knowledge of the Gita to His devotees will undoubtedly come to Him. Sharing the Gita's wisdom in devotion is thus a direct path to the Lord.
Who is qualified to teach this 'supreme secret'?▼
The verse emphasises that it should be taught with supreme devotion ('bhaktim mayi param kritva') and shared among the Lord's devotees. The spirit of devotion and the suitability of the listeners matter, so that the sacred knowledge is imparted reverently.
Why is teaching the Gita considered an act of devotion?▼
By lovingly sharing the Lord's own teaching with fellow devotees, one serves both the Lord and the spiritual welfare of others. Krishna counts this selfless service of spreading His message as supreme devotion that leads the teacher to Him.
How does this verse relate to the Gita Mahatmya?▼
These closing verses glorify the Gita itself and the merit of engaging with it. This verse highlights the special blessing for those who teach it in devotion, forming part of the Gita's self-glorification (mahatmya) that encourages study and sharing.
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