Loading...
Current layer: Translation
Chapter 18 • Verse 20
The Yoga of Liberation by Renunciation
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna begins explaining the three kinds of knowledge, starting with sattvic knowledge. 'Sarvabhūteṣu yenaikaṁ bhāvam avyayam īkṣate'—that knowledge by which (yena) one sees (īkṣate) the one (ekam) indestructible (avyayam) essence (bhāvam) in all beings (sarvabhūteṣu). 'Avibhaktaṁ vibhakteṣu'—undivided (avibhaktam) in the divided (vibhakteṣu). 'Taj jñānaṁ viddhi sāttvikam'—know (viddhi) that knowledge (tat jñānam) to be sattvic (sāttvikam). This is sattvic knowledge: seeing the one essence, the indestructible Self, in all beings. Despite apparent divisions (different bodies, forms, names), you see the undivided essence. This is the knowledge that recognizes unity in diversity, the eternal in the temporary, the one in the many. This is the highest kind of knowledge—seeing the Supreme in all, recognizing the divine essence in everything.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
This verse explains sattvic knowledge: that knowledge by which one sees the one indestructible essence in all beings (sarvabhūteṣu yenaikaṁ bhāvam avyayam īkṣate), undivided in the divided (avibhaktaṁ vibhakteṣu). This is the knowledge that recognizes unity in diversity, the eternal in the temporary, the one in the many. Despite apparent divisions (different bodies, forms, names, situations), you see the undivided essence. This is the highest kind of knowledge—seeing the Supreme in all, recognizing the divine essence in everything. When you understand this, you realize: you can see unity even in apparent diversity, the eternal even in the temporary, the one even in the many. This knowledge brings harmony and understanding, helping you work with others, parent with love, practice with wisdom, and live with compassion.
Personal Reflection
Have you been seeing only divisions and differences? Have you been focusing on what separates rather than what unites? What would change if you understood sattvic knowledge—seeing the one indestructible essence in all beings, undivided in the divided?
Shortcuts
←/→ Verses
↑/↓ Layers