श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १३.२८ — समं सर्वेषु भूतेषु — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १३.२८ — समं सर्वेषु भूतेषु
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
समम्
samam
equally
सर्वेषु
sarveṣhu
in all
भूतेषु
bhūteṣhu
beings
तिष्ठन्तम्
tiṣhṭhan-tam
accompanying
परमेश्वरम्
parama-īśhvaram
Supreme Soul
विनश्यत्सु
vinaśhyatsu
amongst the perishable
अविनश्यन्तम्
avinaśhyantam
the imperishable
यः
yaḥ
who
पश्यति
paśhyati
see
सः
saḥ
they
पश्यति
paśhyati
perceive
Complete Translation
जो पुरुष समस्त नश्वर भूतों में अनश्वर परमेश्वर को समभाव से स्थित देखता है, वही (वास्तव में) देखता है।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13, Verse 28
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the thirteenth chapter, Kshetra-Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga, Krishna explains the distinction between the body (the field) and the knower of the field (the soul), and the supreme Knower (Paramatma) present in all. This verse crowns that teaching by describing the liberating vision of seeing the same imperishable Lord equally seated in every perishable being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 13.28?▼
It teaches that one who sees the Supreme Lord (Paramatma) dwelling equally in all beings — the imperishable presence within all that perishes — is the one who truly sees. Real vision is recognising the one divine Self underlying the diversity of forms.
What is "equal vision" (sama-darshana)?▼
Sama-darshana is the realised perception that the same God resides in every being, regardless of outer differences. It does not deny the differences of bodies, but sees the one unchanging Self equally present in all of them, leading to compassion and freedom from hatred.
How does this verse lead to liberation?▼
The very next verse (13.29) states that one who sees thus does not degrade the Self by the self and therefore attains the supreme goal. By transcending the ego's sense of separateness and resting in the universal Self, the seeker moves toward liberation.
How can equal-vision be practised in daily life?▼
By consciously remembering, in one's dealings with others, that the same Lord dwells within them. This transforms ordinary interactions into opportunities for reverence and kindness, gradually weakening the habits of judgement, anger and division.
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