ज्योतिषामपि तज्ज्योतिस्तमसः परमुच्यते।ज्ञानं ज्ञेयं ज्ञानगम्यं हृदि सर्वस्य विष्ठितम्।।13.18।।
jyotiṣām api tat jyotiḥ tamasaḥ param ucyate | jñānam jñeyam jñāna‑gamyam hṛdi sarvasya viṣṭhitam ||
Translation
He is the source of light in all luminaries, and is entirely beyond the darkness of ignorance. He is knowledge, the object of knowledge, and the goal of knowledge. He dwells within the hearts of all living beings.
Word Meanings
jyotiṣām — in all luminous objects; api — also; tat — that; jyotiḥ — the source of light; tamasaḥ — the darkness; param — beyond; ucyate — is said; jñānam — knowledge; jñeyam — to be known; jñāna‑gamyam — to be approached by knowledge; hṛdi — in the heart; sarvasya — of everyone; viṣṭhitam — situated.
Understanding the Verse
This verse belongs to the field‑of‑knowledge chapter (Chapter 13) where Krishna delineates the true nature of the Supreme and the material world. The opening clause, ‘jyotiṣām api tat jyotiḥ,’ emphasizes that the Divine Light pervades all luminous objects – the sun, moon, fire, and even the inner radiance of the mind. Yet this Light is not merely one among many; it is ‘tat jyotiḥ,’ the source that gives rise to every other light. By stating ‘tamasaḥ param ucyate,’ the text places the Divine beyond the veil of darkness (tamasaḥ), the darkness that represents ignorance, delusion, and the ego‑driven mind. This paradox – being both the source of visible light and beyond the darkness that obscures it – illustrates the transcendental nature of the Supreme: it is immanent in all creation yet remains untouched by the limitations that bind ordinary perception.
The second half of the verse shifts focus from cosmic illumination to the inner dimension of knowledge. ‘Jñānam’ (knowledge) is identified with the Supreme itself, indicating that the ultimate reality is pure, self‑revealing wisdom. ‘Jñeyam’ denotes that this knowledge is something to be known, a target for spiritual inquiry. ‘Jñāna‑gamyam’ further asserts that the Supreme is the destination of all knowledge – the fulfilment of every seeker’s quest. In other words, to know the Divine is both the means and the end; the journey of learning culminates in the realization that the object of learning is the teacher itself.
Finally, ‘hṛdi sarvasya viṣṭhitam’ locates this all‑encompassing Light and Knowledge within the heart (hṛdi) of every being. The heart here is not merely the anatomical organ but the subtle seat of consciousness where the self‑identity resides. By saying that the Divine dwells in every heart, the verse dissolves the perceived separation between the individual and the universal. It invites the practitioner to turn inward, to recognize the luminous presence that already exists within, and to let that inner Light dispel the darkness of doubt and attachment.
Thus, Chapter 13, Verse 18 encapsulates a profound theological statement: the Supreme is the source of all external illumination, transcends all ignorance, embodies pure knowledge, and resides innately in every heart. The verse serves as both a metaphysical description and a practical guide – encouraging seekers to seek the Light within, to pursue knowledge that leads back to the source, and to realize that the divine presence is ever‑present, awaiting recognition.
