श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १२.८ — मय्येव मन आधत्स्व — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १२.८ — मय्येव मन आधत्स्व
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
मयि
mayi
on me
एव
eva
alone
मनः
manaḥ
mind
आधत्स्व
ādhatsva
fix
मयि
mayi
on me
बुद्धिम्
buddhim
intellect
निवेशय
niveśhaya
surrender
निवसिष्यसि
nivasiṣhyasi
you shall always live
मयि
mayi
in me
एव
eva
alone
अत ऊर्ध्वम्
ataḥ ūrdhvam
thereafter
न
na
not
संशयः
sanśhayaḥ
doubt
Complete Translation
तुम अपने मन और बुद्धि को मुझमें ही स्थिर करो, तदुपरान्त तुम मुझमें ही निवास करोगे, इसमें कोई संशय नहीं है।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12, Verse 8
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In Chapter 12, the Bhakti Yoga, Arjuna asks whether those who worship the personal form of God or those who worship the unmanifest Absolute are better established in yoga. Krishna affirms the path of loving devotion and, in this verse, gives the most direct method: fix the mind and intellect on Him. In the following verses He graciously offers easier alternatives for those unable to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core teaching of Bhagavad Gita 12.8?▼
It teaches that by fixing both the mind and the intellect on the Lord, one will ultimately abide in Him. The mind represents one's feelings and attention; the intellect represents one's conviction and discernment. Directing both toward Krishna is the essence of devotion.
What is the difference between "mind" and "intellect" here?▼
In Vedanta, the mind (manas) is the seat of thoughts, emotions and attention, while the intellect (buddhi) is the faculty of discrimination, decision and conviction. Krishna asks the devotee to engage both — to feel love for Him and to be firmly convinced of His reality.
What does Krishna promise in this verse?▼
He promises that the devotee who fixes mind and intellect on Him "will certainly live in Me alone hereafter" — there is no doubt about it. It is a direct guarantee of liberation through devotion.
Is this verse suitable for beginners in meditation?▼
Yes. It is one of the most practical and encouraging verses in the Gita. It does not demand elaborate ritual — only sincere, loving concentration on the Divine, which anyone can begin practising immediately.
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