Bhagavad Gita 2.69 — Ya Nisha Sarva-bhutanam — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता २.६९ — या निशा सर्वभूतानां
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
या
yā
which
निशा
niśhā
night
सर्वभूतानाम्
sarva-bhūtānām
of all living beings
तस्याम्
tasyām
in that
जागर्ति
jāgarti
is awake
संयमी
sanyamī
the self-controlled one
यस्याम्
yasyām
in which
जाग्रति
jāgrati
are awake
भूतानि
bhūtāni
creatures, beings
सा
sā
that
निशा
niśhā
night
पश्यतः
paśhyataḥ
of the seeing one
मुनेः
muneḥ
of the sage
Complete Translation
That which is night to all beings, in that the self-controlled sage is awake; and that in which all beings are awake is night for the sage who truly sees.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 69
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
Toward the end of the second chapter, Sankhya Yoga, Krishna describes the sthitaprajna — the person of steady, established wisdom. This verse is part of that portrait, illustrating the inner reversal of vision in one who is established in Self-knowledge, awake to the eternal while detached from the fleeting world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'night' and 'awake' mean in Bhagavad Gita 2.69?▼
The verse uses 'night' and 'awake' metaphorically. The sage is 'awake' (alert and absorbed) in the knowledge of the eternal Self, which ordinary people treat as 'night' (ignore). Conversely, worldly sense pursuits, which keep the world 'awake', are 'night' to the sage — he sees no real value in them.
Who is the 'muni' or sage in this verse?▼
The muni is the sthitaprajna — the person of steady wisdom described throughout the latter part of chapter 2. Such a sage has realised the Self, withdrawn the mind from sense objects, and lives established in inner truth and peace.
Does this verse mean a sage should sleep during the day?▼
No, it is entirely symbolic. It is not about literal sleeping and waking but about where one's awareness and interest are directed. The sage is inwardly awake to the Self while remaining detached from the worldly concerns that absorb most people.
How can this verse help in daily spiritual life?▼
It invites self-examination: ask yourself what you are most 'awake' to. By gradually turning attention toward the eternal Self and away from endless sense pursuits, the seeker moves closer to the inner wakefulness and peace of the realised sage.
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