Commentaries from the Gurus

Chapter 13 • Verse 12

अध्यात्मज्ञाननित्यत्वं तत्त्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनम् | एतज्ज्ञानमिति प्रोक्तमज्ञानं यदतोऽन्यथा ||१३-१२||

adhyātmajñānanityatvaṃ tattvajñānārthadarśanam . etajjñānamiti proktamajñānaṃ yadato.anyathā ||13-12||

Expert Commentaries

🎙️ Swami Tejomayananda

Hindi Translation

।।13.12।। अध्यात्मज्ञान में नित्यत्व अर्थात् स्थिरता तथा तत्त्वज्ञान के अर्थ रूप परमात्मा का दर्शन, यह सब तो ज्ञान कहा गया है, और जो इससे विपरीत है, वह अज्ञान है।।

🎙️ Swami Sivananda

English Translation

13.12 Constancy in Self-knowledge, perception of the end of true knowledge this is declared to be knowledge, and what is opposed to it is ignorance.

English Commentary

13.12 अध्यात्मज्ञाननित्यत्वम् constancy in Selfknowledge? तत्त्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनम् perception of the end of true knowledge? एतत् this? ज्ञानम् knowledge? इति thus? प्रोक्तम् declared? अज्ञानम् ignorance? यत् which? अतः from it? अन्यथा opposed.Commentary The liberated sage has constant awareness of the Self. He knows that knowledge of the Self alone is permanent and all other learning relating to this world is ignorance. He knows that the knowledge which leads to the realisation of the Self is the only truth.These attributes beginning with humility are declared to be knowledge? because they are conducive to knowledge they are the means to knowledge. They are secondary or auxiliary causes of knowledge. The fruit of this knowledge of the Self is deliverance from the round of births and deaths. The spiritual aspirant should always keep the end of knowledge in view. Only then will he attempt to develop the various virtues which are conducive to the attainment of knowledge of the Self. What is opposed to knowledge? viz.? lust? anger? greed? pride? hypocrisy? attachment? cunningness? diplomacy? injuring others? is ignorance. These evil traits which are the products of ignorance bind a man to Samsara. If you wish to attain the knowledge of the Self you will have to eradicate these evil traits which stand as stumbling blocks on the path of salvation. If you cultivate the opposite virtues? the evil traits will die by themselves just as the plants which are deprived of water in a garden die by themselves. It is difficult to eradicate the evil traits by fighting against them.

🎙️ Shri Purohit Swami

English Translation

13.12 Constant yearning for the knowledge of Self, and pondering over the lessons of the great Truth - this is Wisdom, all else ignorance.

🎙️ Swami Chinmayananda

Hindi Commentary

।।13.12।। ज्ञान को दर्शाने वाले इस प्रकरण के इस अन्तिम श्लोक में भगवान् श्रीकृष्ण दो और गुणों को बताते हैं अध्यात्म ज्ञान में स्थिरता? तथा तत्त्वज्ञानार्थ का दर्शन।आत्मज्ञान में स्थिरता आत्मज्ञान जीवन में अनुभव करके जीने का विषय है? केवल बुद्धि से सीखने का नहीं। यदि आत्मा ही एक सर्वव्यापी पारमार्थिक सत्य है? तब साधक को अपने व्यक्तित्व के सभी स्तरों पर आत्मदृष्टि से रहने का प्रयत्न करना चाहिये। स्वयं को आत्मा जानकर? उसी बोध में स्थित होकर साधक को अपने जीवन के समस्त व्यवहार करने चाहिये। इसके लिये सतत अभ्यास की आवश्यकता होती है।तत्त्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनम् अमानित्वादि गुणों का विकास जिसके निमित्त करने को कहा गया है? वह है तत्त्वज्ञान और उस तत्त्वज्ञान के अर्थ का जो लक्ष्य है ? उसका दर्शन करना। संसार बन्धनों की उपरामता अर्थात् मोक्ष ही वह लक्ष्य है। लक्ष्य का सतत स्मरण करते रहने से साधनाभ्यास में प्रवृत्ति और उत्साह बना रहता है? जो लक्ष्यप्राप्ति में साहाय्यकारी सिद्ध होता है। इस प्रकरण में इन बीस गुणों को ही ज्ञान कहा गया है? क्योंकि ये समस्त गुण आत्मसाक्षात्कार के लिए अनुकूल हैं।उपर्युक्त ज्ञान के द्वारा जानने योग्य ज्ञेय वस्तु क्या है इसके उत्तर में कहते हैं

🎙️ Dr.S.Sankaranarayan

English Translation

13.12. Constancy in the Self-knowledge; and viewing things of knowing the Reality-all this is declared to be [conducive to or manifesting] true knowledge, and what is opposed to this is [conducive to or manifesting] wrong knowledge.

🎙️ Swami Adidevananda

English Translation

13.12 Constant contemplation on the knowledge pertaining to the self, reflection for the attainment of knowledge of the truth - this is declared to be knowledge, and what is contrary to it is ignorance.

🎙️ Swami Gambirananda

English Translation

13.12 Steadfastness in the knowledge of the Self, contemplation on the Goal of the knowledge of Reality-this is spoken of as Knowledge. Ignorance is that which is other than this.

🎙️ Sri Madhavacharya

Sanskrit Commentary

।।13.12।।तत्त्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनं अपरोक्षज्ञानार्थं शास्त्रदर्शनम्।

🎙️ Sri Anandgiri

Sanskrit Commentary

।।13.12।।उत्तरग्रन्थमवतारयति -- यथोक्तेति। अमानित्वादीनां ज्ञानत्वमाक्षिपति -- नन्विति। वस्तुपरिच्छेदकत्वाज्ज्ञानत्वमाशङ्क्याह -- नहीति। परिच्छेदकत्वाज्ज्ञानत्वं ज्ञानत्वात्परिच्छेदकत्वमित्यन्योन्याश्रयादित्यभिप्रेत्याह -- सर्वत्रेति। स्वार्थस्यैव ज्ञानं परिच्छेदकमित्येतद्व्यतिरेकद्वारा विशदयति -- नहीति। व्यतिरेकदृष्टान्तमाह -- यथेति। अमानित्वादीनां ज्ञानत्वमाक्षिप्तं प्रतिक्षिपति -- नैष दोष इति। तत्र हेतुत्वेनोक्तं स्मारयति -- ज्ञानेति। तेषु ज्ञानशब्दे हेत्वन्तरमाह -- ज्ञानेति। अमानित्वादीनां ज्ञानत्वमुक्त्वा ज्ञातव्यमवतारयति -- ज्ञेयमिति। प्रश्नद्वारा ज्ञेयप्रवचनस्य फलमुक्त्वा प्ररोचनं कृत्वा तेन श्रोतुराभिमुख्यमापादयितुं प्ररोचनफलोक्तिपरमनन्तरवाक्यमित्याह -- किमित्यादिना। तदेव विशिनष्टि -- अनादिमदिति। आदिमत्त्वराहित्यमव्याकृतस्याप्यस्त्यतो विशेषं दर्शयति -- किं तदिति। भोक्तुरपि,भोग्यात्परत्वमित्यतो विशिनष्टि -- ब्रह्मेति। अनादीत्येकं पदं मत्परमिति चापरमिति पदच्छेदान्न पुनरुक्तिरिति मतान्तरमुत्थापयति -- अत्रेति। एकपदत्वसंभवे किमिति पदद्वयमित्याशङ्क्याह -- बहुव्रीहिणेति। आदिरस्य नास्तीति यो बहुव्रीहिणोक्तोऽर्थस्तस्मिन्नादिमत्त्वनिषेधे नास्ति मतुपोऽर्थवत्त्वमिति मतुबानर्थक्यमनिष्टं स्यादिति मत्त्वा पदं छिन्दन्तीति पूर्वेण संबन्धः। आदिरस्य नास्तीत्यनादीत्युक्त्वा मत्परमित्युच्यमाने कोऽर्थः स्यादित्याशङ्क्याह -- अर्थेति। उक्तव्याख्यानस्यायुक्तत्वान्नायं पुनरुक्तिसमाधिरित्याह -- सत्यमिति। अर्थासंभवं समर्थयते -- ब्रह्मण इति। तथापि विशिष्टशक्तिमत्त्वं किं न स्यादित्याशङ्क्याह -- विशिष्टेति। तथापि मतुपो बहुव्रीहिणा तुल्यस्यार्थस्य कथं नानर्थक्यं तत्राह -- तस्मादिति। अनादिमत्परं ब्रह्मेत्यत्र पक्षान्तरं प्रतिक्षिप्य स्वपक्षः समर्थितः? संप्रति ब्रह्मणो ब्रह्मत्वादेव कार्यकारणात्मकत्वप्राप्तावुक्तानुवादद्वारा न सदित्याद्यवतारयति -- अमृतत्वेति। सत्कार्यमभिव्यक्तनामरूपत्वात्? असत्कारणं तद्विपर्ययादिति विभागः। ज्ञेयप्रवचनमनिर्वाच्यविषयत्वात्प्रक्रमप्रतिकूलमित्याक्षिपति -- नन्विति। निर्विशेषस्य वस्तुनो ज्ञेयत्वात्तद्विषयं प्रवचनं प्रक्रमानुकूलमित्युत्तरमाह -- नेत्यादिना। अनिर्वाच्यत्वे न सत्तन्नासदित्युच्यमाने कथमिदमनुरूपमिति पृच्छति -- कथमिति। ब्रह्मात्मप्रकाशस्य सिद्धत्वात्तदर्थं विधिमुखेनोपदेशायोगादध्यस्ततद्धर्मनिवृत्तये निषेधद्वारोपदेशस्य वेदान्तेषु प्रसिद्धेरारोपितविशेषनिषेधरूपमिदं प्रवचनमुचितमिति परिहरति -- सर्वास्विति। ज्ञेयस्य ब्रह्मणो विधिमुखोपदेशायोगे हेतुमाह -- वाच इति। ब्रह्मणोऽस्तिशब्दावाच्यत्वे नरविषाणवन्नास्तित्वमित्यनिष्टमाशङ्कते -- नन्विति। एवमुत्सर्गेऽपि ब्रह्मणि किमायातमित्याशङ्क्याह -- अथेति। ज्ञेयस्यास्तिशब्दावाच्यत्वे व्याघातश्चेत्याह -- विप्रतिषिद्धं चेति। अस्तिशब्दावाच्यत्वादवस्तु ब्रह्मेत्यत्राप्रयोजकत्वमाह -- न तावदिति। नास्तिबुद्धिविषयत्वमेवावस्तुत्वे निमित्तमतस्तदभावाद्ब्रह्मणो नावस्तुतेत्येतदेव व्यक्तीकर्तुं चोदयति -- नन्विति। सर्वासां धियामस्तिधीत्वेन नास्तिधीत्वेन वानुगतत्वेऽन्यतरधीगोचरत्वाभावे ब्रह्मणोऽनिर्वाच्यत्वं दुर्वारमिति फलितमाह -- तत्रेति। ब्रह्मणो घटादिवैलक्षण्यादुभयबुद्ध्यविषयत्वेऽपि नानिर्वाच्यतेत्याह -- नेत्यादिना। घटादेरिन्द्रियग्राह्यस्योभयबुद्धिविषयत्वेऽपि ब्रह्मणस्तदग्राह्यस्य नोभयधीविषयत्वं तथापि नानिर्वाच्यत्वं सच्चिदेकतानस्य शब्दप्रमाणादविषयत्वेन दृष्टत्वादित्युक्तमेव प्रपञ्चयति -- यद्धीति। परोक्तं विरोधमनुवदति -- यत्त्विति। श्रुत्यवष्टम्भेन निराचष्टे -- न विरुद्धमिति। सापि विरुद्धार्थत्वानुमानं बोधकस्याविरोधापेक्षत्वादिति शङ्कते -- श्रुतिरिति। तस्या विरुद्धार्थत्वेनाप्रामाण्ये दृष्टान्तमाह -- यथेति। प्राचीनवंशं करोतीति पारलौकिकफलयज्ञानुष्ठानार्थं शालानिर्माणं प्रस्तुत्य को हि तद्वेदेत्याद्या परलोकसत्त्वे संदिहाना यथा विरुद्धार्था श्रुतिरप्रमाणमेवं विदिताविदितान्यत्वश्रुतिरपीत्यर्थः। नेयं श्रुतिर्विरुद्धत्वेनामानतया हातव्या ब्रह्मण्यद्वितीये प्रत्यक्ताप्रतिपादनेन मानत्वादित्युत्तरमाह -- न विदितेति। यत्तु विरुद्धार्थत्वे को हीत्युदाहृतं तदसदर्थवादस्य विधिशेषस्य स्वार्थेतात्पर्यादित्याह -- यदीति। यत्र जात्यादिमत्त्वं तत्र वाच्यत्वं यथा गवादौ न ब्रह्मणि जात्यादिमत्त्वमतस्तस्यावाच्यत्वान्निषेधेनैव बोध्यत्वमित्याह -- उपपत्तेश्चेति। नोच्यत इति निषेधेनैव तस्योपदेश इति शेषः। जात्यादिमतोऽर्थस्यैव वाच्यत्वं तत्रैव संगतिग्रहादिति प्रपञ्चयति -- सर्वो हीति। अश्रुतस्य जात्यादिद्वारेणाज्ञातसङ्गतेर्वा शब्दस्य न बोधकत्वमदृष्टेरित्याह -- नान्यथेति। जात्यादेः सच्छब्दविषयत्वमुदाहरति -- तद्यथेत्यादिना। ब्रह्मणस्त्वगोत्रत्वमवर्णत्वमित्यादिश्रुतेर्जात्यादिमत्त्वाभावान्न शब्दवाच्यतेत्याह -- नत्विति। केवलो निर्गुणश्चेति श्रुतेर्गुणद्वारा ब्रह्मणो न वाच्यतेत्याह -- नापीति। निष्क्रियत्वे मानमाह -- निष्कलमिति। ब्रह्मणोऽद्वितीयत्वस्याशेषोपनिषत्सु सिद्धत्वाद्विशिष्टस्य संबन्धस्य तस्मिन्नसिद्धेर्न तद्द्वारापि तस्य वाच्यतेत्याह -- नचेति। ब्रह्मण्यभिधावृत्याशब्दाप्रवृत्तौ हेत्वन्तराण्याह -- अद्वयत्वादिति। ब्रह्मणोऽवाच्यत्वे श्रुतमपि संवादयति -- यत इति।

🎙️ Swami Ramsukhdas

Hindi Translation

।।13.12।।अध्यात्मज्ञानमें नित्य-निरन्तर रहना, तत्त्वज्ञानके अर्थरूप परमात्माको सब जगह देखना -- यह (पूर्वोक्त साधन-समुदाय) तो ज्ञान है; और जो इसके विपरीत है वह अज्ञान है -- ऐसा कहा गया है।

Hindi Commentary

।।13.12।। व्याख्या -- अध्यात्मज्ञाननित्यत्वम् -- सम्पूर्ण शास्त्रोंका तात्पर्य मनुष्यको परमात्माकी तरफ लगानेमें? परमात्मप्राप्ति करानेमें है -- ऐसा निश्चय करनेके बाद परमात्मतत्त्व जितना समझमें आया है? उसका मनन करे। युक्तिप्रयुक्तिसे देखा जाय तो परमात्मतत्त्व भावरूपसे पहले भी था? अभी भी है और आगे भी रहेगा। परन्तु संसार पहले भी नहीं था और आगे भी नहीं रहेगा तथा अभी भी प्रतिक्षण अभावमें जा रहा है। संसारकी तो उत्पत्ति और विनाश होता है? पर उसका जो आधार? प्रकाशक है? वह परमात्मतत्त्व नित्यनिरन्तर रहता है। उस परमात्मतत्त्वके सिवाय संसारकी स्वतन्त्र सत्ता है ही नहीं। परमात्माकी सत्तासे ही संसार सत्तावाला दीखता है। इस प्रकार संसारकी स्वतन्त्र सत्ताके अभावका और परमात्माकी सत्ताका नित्यनिरन्तर मनन करते रहना अध्यात्मज्ञाननित्यत्वम् है।उपाय -- आध्यात्मिक ग्रन्थोंका पठनपाठन? तत्त्वज्ञ महापुरुषोंसे तत्त्वज्ञानविषयक श्रवण और प्रश्नोत्तर करना।तत्त्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनम् -- तत्त्वज्ञानका अर्थ है -- परमात्मा। उस परमात्माका ही सब जगह दर्शन करना? उसका ही सब जगह अनुभव करना तत्त्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनम् है। वह परमात्मा सब देश? काल? वस्तु? व्यक्ति? घटना? परिस्थिति आदिमें ज्योंकात्यों परिपूर्ण है। एकान्तमें अथवा व्यवहारमें? सब समय साधककी दृष्टि? उसका लक्ष्य केवल उस परमात्मापर ही रहे। एक परमात्माके सिवाय उसको दूसरी कोई सत्ता दीखे ही नहीं। सब जगह? सब समय समभावसे परिपूर्ण परमात्माको ही देखनेका उसका स्वभाव बन जाय -- यही,तत्त्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनम् है। इसके सिद्ध होनेपर साधकको परमात्मतत्त्वका अनुभव हो जाता है।एतज्ज्ञानमिति प्रोक्तमज्ञानं यदतोऽन्यथा -- अमानित्वम् से लेकर तत्त्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनम् तक ये जो बीस साधन कहे गये हैं? ये सभी साधन देहाभिमान मिटानेवाले होनेसे और परमात्मतत्त्वकी प्राप्तिमें सहायक होनेसे ज्ञान नामसे कहे गये हैं। इन साधनोंसे विपरीत मानित्व? दम्भित्व? हिंसा आदि जितने भी दोष हैं? वे सभी देहाभिमान बढ़ानेवाले होनेसे और परमात्मतत्त्वसे विमुख करनेवाले होनेसे अज्ञान नामसे कहे गये हैं।विशेष बातयदि साधकमें इतना तीव्र विवेक जाग्रत् हो जाय कि वह शरीरसे माने हुए सम्बन्धका त्याग कर सके? तो उसमें यह साधनसमुदाय स्वतः प्रकट हो जाता है। फिर उसको इन साधनोंका अलगअलग अनुष्ठान करनेकी आवश्यकता नहीं पड़ती। विनाशी शरीरको अपने अविनाशी स्वरूपसे अलग देखना मूल साधन है। अतः सभी साधकोंको चाहिये कि वे शरीरको अपनेसे अलग अनुभव करें? जो कि वास्तवमें अलग ही हैपूर्वोक्त किसी भी साधनका अनुष्ठान करनेके लिये मुख्यतः दो बातोंकी आवश्यकता है -- (1) साधकका उद्देश्य केवल परमात्माको प्राप्त करना हो और (2) शास्त्रोंको पढ़तेसुनते समय यदि विवेकद्वारा शरीरको अपनेसे अलग समझ ले? तो फिर दूसरे समयमें भी उसी विवेकपर स्थिर रहे। इन दो बातोंके दृढ़ होनेसे साधनसमुदायके सभी साधन सुगम हो जाते हैं।शरीर तो बदल गया? पर मैं वही हूँ? जो कि बचपनमें था -- यह सबके अनुभवकी बात है। अतः शरीरके साथ अपना सम्बन्ध वास्तविक न होकर केवल माना हुआ है -- ऐसा निश्चय होनेपर ही वास्तविक साधन आरम्भ होता है। साधककी बुद्धि जितने अंशमें परमात्मप्राप्तिके उद्देश्यको धारण करती है? उतने ही अंशमें उसमें विवेककी जागृति तथा संसारसे वैराग्य हो जाता है। भगवान्ने विवेक और वैराग्यको पुष्ट करनेके लिये ज्ञानके आवश्यक साधनोंका वर्णन किया है।जब मनुष्यका उद्देश्य परमात्मप्राप्ति करना ही हो जाता है? तब दुर्गुणों एवं दुराचारोंकी जड़ कट जाती है? चाहे साधकको इसका अनुभव हो या न हो जैसे वृक्षकी जड़ कटनेपर भी बड़ी टहनीपर लगे हुए पत्ते कुछ दिनतक हरे दीखते हैं किन्तु वास्तवमें उन पत्तोंके हरेपनकी भी जड़ कट चुकी है। इसलिये कुछ दिनोंके बाद कटी हुई टहनीके पत्तोंका हरापन मिट जाता है। ऐसे ही परमात्मतत्त्वकी प्राप्तिका दृढ़ उद्देश्य होते ही दुर्गुणदुराचार मिट जाते हैं। यद्यपि साधकको आरम्भमें ऐसा अनुभव नहीं होता और उसको अपनेमें अवगुण दीखते हैं? तथापि कुछ समयके बाद उनका सर्वथा अभाव दीखने लग जाता है।साधन करते समय कभीकभी साधकको अपनेमें दुर्गुण दिखायी दे सकते हैं। परन्तु वास्तवमें साधनमें लगनेसे पहले उसमें जो दुर्गुण रहे थे? वे ही जाते हुए दिखायी देते हैं। यह नियम है कि दरवाजेसे आनेवाले,और जानेवाले -- दोनों ही दिखायी देते हैं। यदि साधन करते समय अपनेमें दुर्गुण बढ़ते हुए दीखते हों? तो समझना चाहिये कि दुर्गुण आ रहे हैं। परन्तु यदि अपनेमें दुर्गुण कम होते हुए दीखते हों? तो समझना चाहिये कि दुर्गुण जा रहे हैं। ऐसी अवस्थामें साधकको निराश नहीं होना चाहिये? प्रत्युत अपने उद्देश्यपर दृढ़ रहकर तत्परतापूर्वक साधनमें लगे रहना चाहिये। इस प्रकार साधनमें लगे रहनेसे दुर्गुणदुराचारोंका सर्वथा अभाव हो जाता है। सम्बन्ध -- पूर्वोक्त ज्ञान(साधनसमुदाय) के द्वारा जिसको जाना जाता है? उस साध्यतत्त्वका अब ज्ञेय नामसे वर्णन आरम्भ करते हैं।

🎙️ Sri Ramanuja

English Translation

13.12 'Adhyatma-jnana' is the knowledge that pertains to the self. Reflection for the attainment of knowledge of the truth, namely, being always intent in the thought having for its object the knowledge of the truth. 'Knowledge' is that by which the self is realised. The meaning is that it is the means for the knowledge of the self. The group of attributes mentioned before, beginning with modesty etc., are those that are favourable for the knowledge of the self in association with the body. All the evolutes of Ksetra, which are different from those mentioned above, constitute ignorance, as they are antagonistic to the knowledge of the self.

Now, the nature of Ksetrajna, characterised as the knower in the stanza, 'He who knows it' (13.1), is examined:

Sanskrit Commentary

।।13.12।।अमानित्वादिभिः साधनैः ज्ञेयं प्राप्यं यत् प्रत्यगात्मस्वरूपं तत् प्रवक्ष्यामि? यद् ज्ञात्वा जन्मजरामरणादिप्राकृतधर्मरहितम् अमृतम् आत्मानं प्राप्नोति। अनादि आदिर्यस्य न विद्यते तद् अनादि? अस्य हि प्रत्यगात्मन उत्पत्तिः न विद्यते तत एव अन्तो न विद्यते। श्रुतिश्च -- न जायते म्रियते वा विपश्चित् (क0 उ0 1।2।18) इति।मत्परम् -- अहं परो यस्य तद् मत्परम् -- इतस्त्वन्यां प्रकृतिं विद्धि मे परां जीवभूताम् (गीता 7।5) इति हि उक्तम्? भगवच्छरीरतया भगवच्छेषतैकरसं हि आत्मस्वरूपम्। तथा च श्रुतिः -- य आत्मनि तिष्ठन्नात्मनोऽन्तरो यमात्मा न वेद यस्यात्मा शरीरं य आत्मानमन्तरो यमयति (बृ0 उ0 3।7।22) इति। तथा स कारणं करणादिपाधिपो न चास्य कश्चिज्जनिता न चाधिपः। (श्वे0 उ0 6।9)प्रधानक्षेत्रज्ञपतिर्गुणेशः (श्वे0 उ0 6।16) इत्यादिका।ब्रह्म बृहत्त्वगुणयोगि? शरीरादेः अर्थान्तरभूतम्? स्वतः शरीरादिभिः परिच्छेदरहितं क्षेत्रज्ञतत्त्वम् इत्यर्थः।स चानन्त्याय कल्पते (श्वे0 उ0 5।9) इति हि श्रूयते। शरीरपरिच्छिन्नत्वं च अस्य कर्मकृतं कर्मबन्धाद् मुक्तस्य आनन्त्यम्। आत्मनि अपि ब्रह्मशब्दः प्रयुज्यते।स गुणान्समतीत्यैतान् ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते। (गीता 14।26)ब्रह्मणो हि प्रतिष्ठाहममृतस्याव्ययस्य च।। (गीता 14।27)ब्रह्मभूतः प्रसन्नात्मा न शोचति न काङ्क्षति। समः सर्वेषु भूतेषु मद्भक्तिं लभते पराम्।। (गीता 18।54) इति वचनम्।न सत् तत् न असद् उच्यते कार्यकारणरूपावस्थाद्वयरहिततया सदसच्छब्दाभ्याम् आत्मस्वरूपं न उच्यते।कार्यावस्थायां हि देवादिनामरूपभाक्त्वेन सद् इति उच्यते? तदनर्हतया कारणावस्थायाम् असद् इति उच्यते। तथा च श्रुतिः -- असद्वा इदमग्र आसीत्। ततो वै सदजायत। (तै0 उ0 2।7)तद्धेदं तर्ह्यव्याकृतमासीत्तन्नामरूपाभ्यां व्याक्रियते (बृ0 उ0 1।4।7) इत्यादिका। कार्यकारणावस्थाद्वयान्वयः तु आत्मनः कर्मरूपाविद्यावेष्टनकृतः? न स्वरूपतः? इति सदसच्छब्दाभ्याम् आत्मस्वरूपं न उच्यते।यद्यपिअसद्वा इदमग्र आसीत् इति कारणावस्थं परं ब्रह्म उच्यते। तथापि नामरूपविभागानर्हसूक्ष्मचिदचिद्वस्तुशरीरं परं ब्रह्म कारणावस्थम् इति कारणावस्थायां क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञस्वरूपम् अपि असच्छब्दवाच्यम्? क्षेत्रज्ञस्य सा अवस्था कर्मकृता इति परिशुद्धस्वरूपं न सदसच्छब्दनिर्देश्यम्।

🎙️ Sri Abhinav Gupta

English Translation

13.8-12 Amanitvam etc. upto anyatha. [Devotion] with me Yoga of non-difference etc. : a conviction, 'There exists nothing else different from the Mighty Lord, the Supreme Soul,' - a conviction, which allows no difference and is itself a Yoga, i.e. a devotion in the form of this conviction. Hence this never fails. For, either the desires that are considered to be causes for failure are absent, or those desires which are of the form of mind-modifications, are completely absorbed in Him alone. The above may be borne in mind in all [other] cases too. What is opposed to this is [conducive to] wrong knowledge : such as pride and others.
That which is to be known by this knowledge is described [as] -

Sanskrit Commentary

।।13.8 -- 13.12।।एवं क्षेत्रं व्याख्यातम्? क्षेत्रज्ञश्च। इदानीं ज्ञानमुच्यते -- अमानित्वमित्यादि अन्यथा इत्यन्तम्। अनन्ययोगेनेति -- परमात्मनो महेश्वारत् अन्यत् अपरं न किंचिदस्ति इत्यनन्यरूपो यो निश्चयः? स एव योगः तेन निश्चयेन मयि भक्तिः। अत एव सा न कदाचित् व्यभिचरति? व्यभिचारहेतुत्वाभिमतानां (S??N -- त्वाभिगतानाम्) कामनानामभावात्? तासामपि वा चित्तवृत्त्यन्तररूपाणां तदेकमयत्त्वात्। एवं सर्वत्रानुसन्धेयम्। एतद्विपरीतम् अज्ञानम् यथा मानित्वादीनि।

🎙️ Sri Shankaracharya

English Translation

13.12 Adhyatma-jnana-nityatvam, steadfastness in the knowledge of the Self: adhyatma-jnanam is the knowledge of the Self, etc.; constant dwelling in that is nityatvam.
Tattva-jnanartha-darsanam, contemplating on the Goal of the knowledge of Reality: Tattva-jnanam is that (realization of Truth) which arises from the fruition of application to the disciplines like humility etc. which are the means to knowledge. Its Goal (artha) is Liberation, the cessation of mundane existence. Contemplation (darsana) on that is tattva-jnana-artha-darsanam. For, when one engages in contemplation on the result of the knowledge of Reality, one gets the urge to undertake the disciplines which are its means.
Etat, this-those that have been stated from 'humility' etc. to 'contemplation on the Goal of the knowledge of Reality'; proktam, is spoken of; iti, as; jnanam, Knowledge, because they are meant to lead one to Knowledge. Ajnanam, ignorance; is yat, that which is; anyatha, other; atah, than this-what has been stated above.
Contrarily, arrogance, pretentiousness, cruelty, revenge, insincerity, etc. are to be known as ignorance so that, since they are the cause of the origination of worldly existence, they can be avoided.
To the estion as to what is to be known through the aforesaid Knowledge, the Lord says, 'I shall speak of that which is to be known,' etc.
Objection: Do not humility etc. constitute yama and niyama [See fn. on p. 239.-Tr.]? The Knowable is not known through them. For humility etc. are not seen to determine the nature of anything. Moreover, everywhere it is observed that whatever knowledge reveals its own object, that itself ascertains the nature of that object of knowledge (the knowable). Indeed, nothing else is known through a knowledge concerning some other object. As for instance, fire is not known through the knowledge of a pot.
Reply: This is not a defect, for we have said that they are called 'Knowledge' because they lead one to Knowledge, and because they are auxiliary causes of Knowledge.

Hindi Translation

।।13.12।।तथा --, अध्यात्मज्ञाननित्यत्व आत्मादिविषयक ज्ञानका नाम अध्यात्मज्ञान है? उसमें नित्यस्थिति। तत्त्वज्ञानके अर्थकी आलोचना अर्थात् अमानित्वादि ज्ञानसाधनोंकी परिपक्व भावनासे उत्पन्न होनेवाला जो तत्त्वज्ञान है उसका अर्थ जो संसारकी उपरतिरूप मोक्ष है? उसकी आलोचना। क्योंकि तत्त्वज्ञानके फलकी आलोचना करनेसे ही उसके साधनोंमें प्रवृत्ति होगी। अमानित्व से लेकर तत्त्वज्ञानके अर्थकी आलोचनापर्यन्त कहा हुआ समस्त साधनसमुदाय ज्ञानका साधन होनेके कारण ज्ञान इस नामसे कहा गया है। इससे अर्थात् उपर्युक्त ज्ञानसाधनोंके समुदायसे विपरीत जो मानित्व? दम्भित्व? हिंसा? क्षमाका अभाव? कुटिलता इत्यादि अवगुणसमुदाय है वह संसारमें प्रवृत्त करनेका हेतु होनेसे उसे त्याग करनेके लिये अज्ञान समझना चाहिये। उपर्युक्त ज्ञानद्वारा जाननेयोग्य क्या है इस आकाङ्क्षापर ज्ञेयं यत्तत् इत्यादि श्लोक कहते हैं -- पू0 -- अमानित्व आदि गुण तो यम और नियम हैं? उनसे ज्ञेय वस्तु नहीं जानी जा सकती क्योंकि अमानित्वादि सद्गुण किसी वस्तुके ज्ञापक नहीं देखे गये हैं। सभी जगह यह देखा जाता है कि जो ज्ञान जिस वस्तुको विषय करनेवाला होता है वही उसका ज्ञापक होता है? अन्य वस्तुविषयक ज्ञानसे अन्य वस्तु नहीं जानी जाती। जैसे घटविषयक ज्ञानसे अग्नि नहीं जाना जाता।

Sanskrit Commentary

।।13.12।। --,अध्यात्मज्ञाननित्यत्वम् आत्मादिविषयं ज्ञानम् अध्यात्मज्ञानम्? तस्मिन् नित्यभावः नित्यत्वम्। अमानित्वादीनां ज्ञानसाधनानां भावनापरिपाकनिमित्तं तत्त्वज्ञानम्? तस्य अर्थः मोक्षः संसारोपरमः तस्य आलोचनं तत्त्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनम् तत्त्वज्ञानफलालोचने हि तत्साधनानुष्ठाने प्रवृत्तिः स्यादिति। एतत् अमानित्वादितत्त्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनान्तमुक्तं ज्ञानम् इति प्रोक्तं ज्ञानार्थत्वात्। अज्ञानं यत् अतः अस्मात् यथोक्तात् अन्यथा विपर्ययेण। मानित्वं दम्भित्वं हिंसा अक्षान्तिः अनार्जवम् इत्यादि अज्ञानं विज्ञेयं परिहरणाय? संसारप्रवृत्तिकारणत्वात् इति।।यथोक्तेन ज्ञानेन ज्ञातव्यं किम् इत्याकाङ्क्षायामाह -- ज्ञेयं यत्तत् इत्यादि। ननु यमाः नियमाश्च अमानित्वादयः। न तैः ज्ञेयं ज्ञायते। न हि अमानित्वादि कस्यचित् वस्तुनः परिच्छेदकं दृष्टम्। सर्वत्रैव च यद्विषयं ज्ञानं तदेव तस्य ज्ञेयस्य परिच्छेदकं दृश्यते। न हि अन्यविषयेण ज्ञानेन अन्यत् उपलभ्यते? यथा घटविषयेण ज्ञानेन अग्निः। नैष दोषः? ज्ञाननिमित्तत्वात् ज्ञानमुच्यते इति हि अवोचाम ज्ञानसहकारिकारणत्वाच्च --,

🎙️ Sri Jayatritha

Sanskrit Commentary

।।13.12।।ननु तत्त्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनं नाम ज्ञानमेव? तत्कथं ज्ञानसाधनेषूच्यते इत्यत आह -- तत्त्वेति। शास्त्रदर्शनं तात्पर्यालोचनम्। अत्र शास्त्रस्येत्यध्याहृत्य व्याख्यानमिति ज्ञातव्यम्।

🎙️ Sri Vallabhacharya

Sanskrit Commentary

।।13.12।।एतत्प्रोक्तं ज्ञानं विद्याकार्यम्। यदतोऽन्यथा तदज्ञानमविद्याकार्यं प्रतिज्ञातम्।

🎙️ Sri Madhusudan Saraswati

Sanskrit Commentary

।।13.12।।अध्यात्मेति। किंच अध्यात्मं आत्मानमधिकृत्य प्रवृत्तमात्मानात्मविवेकज्ञानमध्यात्मज्ञानं तस्मिन्नित्यत्वं तत्रैव निष्ठावत्त्वम्। विवेकनिष्ठो हि वाक्यार्थज्ञानसमर्थो भवति। तत्त्वज्ञानस्याहं ब्रह्मास्मीति साक्षात्कारस्य वेदान्तवाक्यकरणकस्य अमानित्वादिसर्वसाधनपरिपाकफलस्यार्थः प्रयोजनं अविद्यातत्कार्यात्मकनिखिलदुःखनिवृत्तिरूपः परमानन्दात्मावाप्तिरूपश्च मोक्षस्तस्य दर्शनमालोचनम्।,तत्त्वज्ञानफलालोचनं हि तत्साधने प्रवृत्तिः स्यात्। एतदमानित्वादितत्त्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनान्तं विंशतिसंख्याकं ज्ञानमिति प्रोक्तं ज्ञानार्थत्वात्। अतोऽन्यथास्माद्विपरीतं मानित्वादि यत्तदज्ञानमिति प्रोक्तं ज्ञानविरोधित्वात्। तस्मादज्ञानपरित्यागेन ज्ञानमेवोपादेयमिति भावः।

🎙️ Sri Sridhara Swami

Sanskrit Commentary

।।13.12।। किंच -- अध्यात्मेति। आत्मानमधिकृत्य वर्तमानमध्यात्मज्ञानं तस्मिन्नित्यत्वं नित्यभावः। त्वंपदार्थशुद्धिनिष्ठत्वमित्यर्थः। तत्त्वज्ञानस्यार्थः प्रयोजनं मोक्षः तस्य दर्शनम्। मोक्षस्य सर्वोत्कृष्टतालोचनमित्यर्थः। एतदमानित्वमदम्भित्वमित्यादिविंशतिसंख्यात्मकं यदुक्तमेतज्ज्ञानमिति प्रोक्तं? ज्ञानसाधनत्वात्। अतोऽन्यथास्माद्विपरीतं मानित्वादि यदेतदज्ञानमिति प्रोक्तं वसिष्ठादिभिः? ज्ञानविरोधित्वात्। अतः सर्वथा त्याज्यमित्यर्थः।

🎙️ Sri Dhanpati

Sanskrit Commentary

।।13.12।।किंचात्मानधिकृत्य प्रवृत्तमात्मानात्मविवेकज्ञानमध्यात्मज्ञानं तस्मिन्नित्यभावो नित्यत्वं सततं तत्रैव निष्ठावत्त्वमध्यात्मज्ञाननित्यत्वम्। अमानित्वादिसाधनानां यत्नेन साधितानां प्रकर्षपर्यन्तत्वमिमित्तं तत्त्वज्ञानम्। तदिति सर्वनाम। सर्वं च ब्रह्म तस्य नाम तदिति तस्य ब्रह्मणो भावो याथात्म्यं तस्य ज्ञानं तत्त्वज्ञानंसत्य ज्ञानमनन्तं ब्रह्म? एकमेवाद्वितीयं? नेह नानास्ति किंचन? वाचारम्भणं विकारो नामधेयम् इति श्रुत्युक्तस्य ब्रह्मजगतो याथात्म्यस्य ज्ञानं तत्त्वज्ञानमिति वा तस्यार्थः प्रयोजनं सर्वानर्थनिवृत्तिपरमानन्दप्राप्तिस्वरुपो मोक्षस्तस्य दर्शनम्।न स पुनरावर्तते? इति श्रुत्यायद्गत्वा न निवर्तन्ते तद्धाम परमं मम इति स्मृत्या च तस्यैव नित्यत्वबोधनात्।तद्यथेह कर्मचितो लोकः क्षीयत एवमेवामुत्र पिण्यचितो लोकः क्षीयते इत्यादिश्रुत्या प्रत्यक्षादिना च धर्मार्थकामानामनित्यत्वागममाच्च मोक्षएव सर्वोत्कृष्टत्वात्परमपुरुषार्थः स च तत्त्वज्ञानस्य फलं नान्यस्य।तरति शोकमात्मवित्तमेव विदित्वादिमृत्युमेति नान्यः पन्था विद्यतेऽयनाय इत्यादिश्रुतेतरित्येवं तत्त्वज्ञानार्तालोचने हि तत्साधनानुष्ठाने प्रवृत्तिर्भवति। एतदमानित्वादितत्त्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनान्तं विंशतिसंख्याकं ज्ञानसाधनत्वाज्ज्ञानमिति प्रोक्तं श्रुतिस्मृतीहासपुराणादिषु प्रकर्षेणोक्तं कथितम्। अतोऽस्माद्यथोक्तादन्यथा च। जन्ममृत्युराव्याधिदुःखदोषाप्रदर्शनम्। तथासक्तिरभिष्वङ्गः पुत्रदारगृहादिषु। नित्यं चासमचित्तत्वमिष्टानिष्टोपपत्तिषु। मयि नानन्ययोगेन भक्तिरव्यभिचारिणी। विकीर्णदेशसेवित्वमरतिर्जनसंसदि। नाध्यात्मज्ञानित्यत्वं ज्ञानार्थादर्शनं तथा। इत्येतज्ज्ञेयज्ञानं हेयं संसारकारणम्। तथा चैतत्परित्यागेन संसारोपरमायामानित्वादिकमुपेयमिति भावः।

🎙️ Vedantadeshikacharya Venkatanatha

Sanskrit Commentary

।।13.12।।अध्यात्मज्ञाननित्यत्वम् इत्यत्र नित्यशब्देनाविच्छिन्नानुवृत्तिर्विवक्षितेत्याह -- तन्निष्ठत्वमिति।तत्त्वज्ञानार्थचिन्तनम् इत्युक्तस्य तत्त्वज्ञानस्य अर्थचिन्तनमित्यनुचितम्? न हि तत्त्वज्ञानस्य कोऽर्थ इति चिन्तनप्रकारः? अपितु तत्त्वं किमिति ततस्तत्त्वचिन्तनमिति वा तत्त्वार्थचिन्तनमिति वा वक्तव्यम् न पुनस्तत्त्वज्ञानार्थचिन्तनमिति। एवं तत्त्वज्ञानविषयस्य प्रयोजनस्य वा चिन्तनं? तत्त्वज्ञानपुरुषार्थदर्शनमित्यादिकमपि मन्दप्रयोजनम् दर्शनशब्दश्चात्राध्येतृभिर्नपठ्यते ततोऽस्यार्थान्तरमुचितमाहतत्त्वज्ञानप्रयोजनमिति। फलितमन्यत्र चिन्ताराहित्यमभिप्रेत्याहतन्निरतत्वमित्यर्थ इति। अमानित्वादीनां सर्वेषामविशेषेण ज्ञानशब्दनिर्देशोचितं निर्वचनमाहज्ञायतेऽनेनेति। आत्मेत्यर्थप्रकरणलब्धविषयविशेषाभिधानम्। करणव्युत्पत्तिं विवृण्वन् फलितमाह -- आत्मज्ञानेति। आपातप्रतीत्यादेः पूर्वसिद्धत्वादपरोक्षादिज्ञानमिह विवक्षितम्।एतज्ज्ञानम् इति निर्दिश्य?यदतोऽन्यथा इति सामान्येन तद्व्यतिरिक्तस्य सर्वस्याज्ञानतोक्तिस्तस्य सर्वस्य परिहरणीयत्वपरेत्यभिप्रायेणाहक्षेत्रसम्बन्धिन इति। क्षेत्रसम्बन्धोक्तिस्तदत्यन्तनिवृत्तेः ज्ञानसापेक्षत्वसूचनार्था।एतत् इत्यवच्छिद्य निर्देशेनाभिप्रेतंगुणवृन्दमेवेत्यवधारणेन विवृतम्। न केवलं प्रकृतगुणप्रतिपक्षभूतमानित्वादिमात्रमित्यभिप्रायेणाहएतद्व्यतिरिक्तं सर्वमिति।अज्ञानम् इत्यत्र करणव्युत्पत्तिनैरपेक्ष्यात् प्रसिद्धभावव्युत्पत्त्यनुसारेण ज्ञानविरोधित्वमुच्यत इत्याहक्षेत्रकार्यमात्मज्ञानविरोधीत्यज्ञानमिति। अवैरूप्याय करणार्थत्वेऽप्यसौ फलितोक्तिर्वा।

🎙️ Sri Purushottamji

Sanskrit Commentary

।।13.12।।अध्यात्मज्ञाने आत्मस्वरूपज्ञाने नित्यभावः। तत्त्वज्ञानस्य अर्थात्मको भगवान् मोक्षो वा तस्य दर्शनं आलोचनरीत्या विचारः। एतत्पञ्चश्लोकोक्तं ज्ञानमिति प्रोक्तम्। एतद्युक्तो ज्ञानवान्। अतोऽन्यथा यत् विपरीतत्वं मानित्वादिभावयुक्तं तत् अज्ञानं? न ज्ञानमित्यर्थ। सङ्गानर्हा एतेऽपि त्याज्याः।

🎙️ Sri Neelkanth

Sanskrit Commentary

।।13.12।।अध्यात्मशास्त्रजे ज्ञाने निष्ठावहमध्यात्मज्ञाननित्यत्वम्। तत्त्वज्ञानस्यार्थः प्रयोजनमविद्यानिवृत्तिरानन्दावाप्तिश्च तयोर्दर्शनम्। एतदमानित्वादितत्त्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनान्तं विंशकं ज्ञानं ज्ञानसाधनमिति प्रोक्तं वेदेषु। अज्ञानं ज्ञानविरोधि इतोऽन्यथा यत्तत् मानित्वादिकमित्यर्थः। तस्मात्तत्परित्यागेनामानित्वादिकमेवोपादेयमिति भावः।

🎙️ A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

English Translation

Constancy in spiritual knowledge, and perception of the goal of knowledge—this is declared to be knowledge, and what is opposed to this is ignorance.

English Commentary

This process of knowledge is sometimes misunderstood by less intelligent men as being the interaction of the field of activity. But actually this is the real process of knowledge. If one accepts this process, then the possibility of approaching the Absolute Truth exists. This is not the interaction of the twenty-four elements, as described before. This is actually the means to get out of the entanglement of those elements. The embodied soul is entrapped by the body, which is a casing made of the twenty-four elements, and the process of knowledge as described here is the means to get out of it. Of all the descriptions of the process of knowledge, the most important point is described in the first line of the eleventh verse. Mayi cānanya-yogena bhaktir avyabhicāriṇī: the process of knowledge terminates in unalloyed devotional service to the Lord. So if one does not approach, or is not able to approach, the transcendental service of the Lord, then the other nineteen items are of no particular value. But if one takes to devotional service in full Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the other nineteen items automatically develop within him. As stated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (5.18.12) , yasyāsti bhaktir bhagavaty akiñcanā sarvair guṇais tatra samāsate surāḥ. All the good qualities of knowledge develop in one who has attained the stage of devotional service. The principle of accepting a spiritual master, as mentioned in the eighth verse, is essential. Even for one who takes to devotional service, it is most important. Transcendental life begins when one accepts a bona fide spiritual master. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, clearly states here that this process of knowledge is the actual path. Anything speculated beyond this is nonsense. As for the knowledge outlined here, the items may be analyzed as follows. Humility means that one should not be anxious to have the satisfaction of being honored by others. The material conception of life makes us very eager to receive honor from others, but from the point of view of a man in perfect knowledge – who knows that he is not this body – anything, honor or dishonor, pertaining to this body is useless. One should not be hankering after this material deception. People are very anxious to be famous for their religion, and consequently sometimes it is found that without understanding the principles of religion one enters into some group which is not actually following religious principles and then wants to advertise himself as a religious mentor. As for actual advancement in spiritual science, one should have a test to see how far he is progressing. He can judge by these items. Nonviolence is generally taken to mean not killing or destroying the body, but actually nonviolence means not to put others into distress. People in general are trapped by ignorance in the material concept of life, and they perpetually suffer material pains. So unless one elevates people to spiritual knowledge, one is practicing violence. One should try his best to distribute real knowledge to the people, so that they may become enlightened and leave this material entanglement. That is nonviolence. Tolerance means that one should be practiced to bear insult and dishonor from others. If one is engaged in the advancement of spiritual knowledge, there will be so many insults and much dishonor from others. This is expected because material nature is so constituted. Even a boy like Prahlāda, who, only five years old, was engaged in the cultivation of spiritual knowledge, was endangered when his father became antagonistic to his devotion. The father tried to kill him in so many ways, but Prahlāda tolerated him. So there may be many impediments to making advancement in spiritual knowledge, but we should be tolerant and continue our progress with determination. Simplicity means that without diplomacy one should be so straightforward that he can disclose the real truth even to an enemy. As for acceptance of the spiritual master, that is essential, because without the instruction of a bona fide spiritual master one cannot progress in the spiritual science. One should approach the spiritual master with all humility and offer him all services so that he will be pleased to bestow his blessings upon the disciple. Because a bona fide spiritual master is a representative of Kṛṣṇa, if he bestows any blessings upon his disciple, that will make the disciple immediately advanced without the disciple’s following the regulative principles. Or, the regulative principles will be easier for one who has served the spiritual master without reservation. Cleanliness is essential for making advancement in spiritual life. There are two kinds of cleanliness: external and internal. External cleanliness means taking a bath, but for internal cleanliness one has to think of Kṛṣṇa always and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare. This process cleans the accumulated dust of past karma from the mind. Steadiness means that one should be very determined to make progress in spiritual life. Without such determination, one cannot make tangible progress. And self-control means that one should not accept anything which is detrimental to the path of spiritual progress. One should become accustomed to this and reject anything which is against the path of spiritual progress. This is real renunciation. The senses are so strong that they are always anxious to have sense gratification. One should not cater to these demands, which are not necessary. The senses should only be gratified to keep the body fit so that one can discharge his duty in advancing in spiritual life. The most important and uncontrollable sense is the tongue. If one can control the tongue, then there is every possibility of controlling the other senses. The function of the tongue is to taste and to vibrate. Therefore, by systematic regulation, the tongue should always be engaged in tasting the remnants of foodstuffs offered to Kṛṣṇa and chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. As far as the eyes are concerned, they should not be allowed to see anything but the beautiful form of Kṛṣṇa. That will control the eyes. Similarly, the ears should be engaged in hearing about Kṛṣṇa and the nose in smelling the flowers offered to Kṛṣṇa. This is the process of devotional service, and it is understood here that Bhagavad-gītā is simply expounding the science of devotional service. Devotional service is the main and sole objective. Unintelligent commentators on the Bhagavad-gītā try to divert the mind of the reader to other subjects, but there is no other subject in Bhagavad-gītā than devotional service. False ego means accepting this body as oneself. When one understands that he is not his body and is spirit soul, he comes to his real ego. Ego is there. False ego is condemned, but not real ego. In the Vedic literature ( Bṛhad-āraṇyaka Upaniṣad 1.4.10) it is said, ahaṁ brahmāsmi: I am Brahman, I am spirit. This “I am,” the sense of self, also exists in the liberated stage of self-realization. This sense of “I am” is ego, but when the sense of “I am” is applied to this false body it is false ego. When the sense of self is applied to reality, that is real ego. There are some philosophers who say we should give up our ego, but we cannot give up our ego, because ego means identity. We ought, of course, to give up the false identification with the body. One should try to understand the distress of accepting birth, death, old age and disease. There are descriptions in various Vedic literatures of birth. In the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam the world of the unborn, the child’s stay in the womb of the mother, its suffering, etc., are all very graphically described. It should be thoroughly understood that birth is distressful. Because we forget how much distress we have suffered within the womb of the mother, we do not make any solution to the repetition of birth and death. Similarly at the time of death there are all kinds of sufferings, and they are also mentioned in the authoritative scriptures. These should be discussed. And as far as disease and old age are concerned, everyone gets practical experience. No one wants to be diseased, and no one wants to become old, but there is no avoiding these. Unless we have a pessimistic view of this material life, considering the distresses of birth, death, old age and disease, there is no impetus for our making advancement in spiritual life. As for detachment from children, wife and home, it is not meant that one should have no feeling for these. They are natural objects of affection. But when they are not favorable to spiritual progress, then one should not be attached to them. The best process for making the home pleasant is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. If one is in full Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he can make his home very happy, because this process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is very easy. One need only chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare, accept the remnants of foodstuffs offered to Kṛṣṇa, have some discussion on books like Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam , and engage oneself in Deity worship. These four things will make one happy. One should train the members of his family in this way. The family members can sit down morning and evening and chant together Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare. If one can mold his family life in this way to develop Kṛṣṇa consciousness, following these four principles, then there is no need to change from family life to renounced life. But if it is not congenial, not favorable for spiritual advancement, then family life should be abandoned. One must sacrifice everything to realize or serve Kṛṣṇa, just as Arjuna did. Arjuna did not want to kill his family members, but when he understood that these family members were impediments to his Kṛṣṇa realization, he accepted the instruction of Kṛṣṇa and fought and killed them. In all cases, one should be detached from the happiness and distress of family life, because in this world one can never be fully happy or fully miserable. Happiness and distress are concomitant factors of material life. One should learn to tolerate, as advised in Bhagavad-gītā . One can never restrict the coming and going of happiness and distress, so one should be detached from the materialistic way of life and be automatically equipoised in both cases. Generally, when we get something desirable we are very happy, and when we get something undesirable we are distressed. But if we are actually in the spiritual position these things will not agitate us. To reach that stage, we have to practice unbreakable devotional service. Devotional service to Kṛṣṇa without deviation means engaging oneself in the nine processes of devotional service – chanting, hearing, worshiping, offering respect, etc. – as described in the last verse of the Ninth Chapter. That process should be followed. Naturally, when one is adapted to the spiritual way of life, he will not want to mix with materialistic men. That would go against his grain. One may test himself by seeing how far he is inclined to live in a solitary place, without unwanted association. Naturally a devotee has no taste for unnecessary sporting or cinema-going or enjoying some social function, because he understands that these are simply a waste of time. There are many research scholars and philosophers who study sex life or some other subject, but according to Bhagavad-gītā such research work and philosophical speculation have no value. That is more or less nonsensical. According to Bhagavad-gītā , one should make research, by philosophical discretion, into the nature of the soul. One should make research to understand the self. That is recommended here. As far as self-realization is concerned, it is clearly stated here that bhakti-yoga is especially practical. As soon as there is a question of devotion, one must consider the relationship between the Supersoul and the individual soul. The individual soul and the Supersoul cannot be one, at least not in the bhakti conception, the devotional conception of life. This service of the individual soul to the Supreme Soul is eternal, nityam, as it is clearly stated. So bhakti, or devotional service, is eternal. One should be established in that philosophical conviction. In the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.11) this is explained. Vadanti tat tattva-vidas tattvaṁ yaj jñānam advayam. “Those who are actually knowers of the Absolute Truth know that the Self is realized in three different phases, as Brahman, Paramātmā and Bhagavān.” Bhagavān is the last word in the realization of the Absolute Truth; therefore one should reach up to that platform of understanding the Supreme Personality of Godhead and thus engage in the devotional service of the Lord. That is the perfection of knowledge. Beginning from practicing humility up to the point of realization of the Supreme Truth, the Absolute Personality of Godhead, this process is just like a staircase beginning from the ground floor and going up to the top floor. Now on this staircase there are so many people who have reached the first floor, the second or the third floor, etc., but unless one reaches the top floor, which is the understanding of Kṛṣṇa, he is at a lower stage of knowledge. If anyone wants to compete with God and at the same time make advancement in spiritual knowledge, he will be frustrated. It is clearly stated that without humility, understanding is not truly possible. To think oneself God is most puffed up. Although the living entity is always being kicked by the stringent laws of material nature, he still thinks, “I am God” because of ignorance. The beginning of knowledge, therefore, is amānitva, humility. One should be humble and know that he is subordinate to the Supreme Lord. Due to rebellion against the Supreme Lord, one becomes subordinate to material nature. One must know and be convinced of this truth.