श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १८.५६ — सर्वकर्माण्यपि सदा कुर्वाणो — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १८.५६ — सर्वकर्माण्यपि सदा कुर्वाणो
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
सर्वकर्माणि
sarva-karmāṇi
all actions; all kinds of work
अपि
api
though; even
सदा
sadā
always
कुर्वाणः
kurvāṇaḥ
performing; engaged in doing
मद्व्यपाश्रयः
mad-vyapāśhrayaḥ
taking full refuge in Me
मत्प्रसादात्
mat-prasādāt
by My grace
अवाप्नोति
avāpnoti
attains; obtains
शाश्वतम्
śhāśhvatam
the eternal
पदम्
padam
abode; state
अव्ययम्
avyayam
imperishable; indestructible
Complete Translation
सब प्रकार के कर्मों को सदा करते हुए भी जो मेरा आश्रय लेता है, वह मेरी कृपा से शाश्वत और अव्यय (अविनाशी) पद को प्राप्त कर लेता है।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 56
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eighteenth chapter, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as Krishna concludes His teaching on action and devotion, He assures Arjuna that one need not abandon activity to attain the highest goal. Performing all actions while taking refuge in the Lord, the devotee reaches the eternal, imperishable abode by His grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhagavad Gita 18.56 teach?▼
It teaches that one who takes full refuge in the Lord can remain engaged in all actions at all times and still attain, by the Lord's grace, the eternal and imperishable abode. Liberation does not require abandoning action, only taking refuge in God.
What does 'mad-vyapashrayah' mean?▼
'Mad-vyapashrayah' means 'taking full refuge in Me'. Krishna teaches that the secret is not to renounce all activity but to perform every action while completely depending on and surrendering to the Lord.
How can a busy person attain liberation according to this verse?▼
By performing all duties while taking refuge in the Lord and dedicating the results to Him. The verse assures that even a fully active life, lived in devotion and surrender, leads by God's grace to the eternal abode — making liberation accessible to all.
How does this verse relate to karma yoga?▼
It is a key statement of karma yoga combined with bhakti. It shows that selfless action performed with refuge in the Lord is itself a path to liberation, harmonising worldly engagement with the highest spiritual goal.
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