Bhagavad Gita 7.3 — Manushyanam Sahasreshu — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ७.३ — मनुष्याणां सहस्रेषु
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
मनुष्याणाम्
manuṣhyāṇām
of men, human beings
सहस्रेषु
sahasreṣhu
out of many thousands
कश्चित्
kaśhchit
someone, a rare one
यतति
yatati
strives
सिद्धये
siddhaye
for perfection
यतताम्
yatatām
of those who strive
अपि
api
even
सिद्धानाम्
siddhānām
of those who have achieved perfection
कश्चित्
kaśhchit
someone, a rare one
माम्
mām
me
वेत्ति
vetti
knows
तत्त्वतः
tattvataḥ
in truth, in essence
Complete Translation
Among thousands of people, scarcely one strives for perfection; and even among those who strive and attain perfection, scarcely one truly knows Me in essence.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7, Verse 3
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the seventh chapter, Jnana-Vijnana Yoga, Krishna begins to reveal knowledge of His divine nature combined with realisation. He prefaces this profound teaching by noting how rare it is for anyone even to seek spiritual perfection, and rarer still to truly know Him — emphasising the value of the wisdom about to be shared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhagavad Gita 7.3 mean?▼
Krishna says that out of thousands of people only a rare one even strives for spiritual perfection, and out of those who strive and succeed, only an exceptional soul truly knows Him in essence. The verse highlights how rare and valuable genuine Self-realisation is.
Is this verse meant to discourage seekers?▼
No, it is meant to inspire, not discourage. By showing how rare the spiritual quest is, it invites the seeker to recognise the immense value of their aspiration and to strive with even greater sincerity, knowing they are pursuing the rarest and highest goal of human life.
What does 'knowing Krishna in truth' (tattvataḥ) mean?▼
To know Krishna 'tattvataḥ' is to know Him in essence — not merely intellectually, but through direct realisation of His true nature as the Supreme. This is the culmination of the spiritual path, deeper even than attaining ordinary spiritual perfection.
How can I become one of the rare seekers described here?▼
By taking the spiritual goal seriously and practising with sincerity, devotion and perseverance. Earnest sadhana, surrender to the Lord, and a genuine longing to know Him gradually place a seeker among the rare souls who strive truly and come to know the Divine.
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