अन्ये त्वेवमजानन्तः श्रुत्वाऽन्येभ्य उपासते।तेऽपि चातितरन्त्येव मृत्युं श्रुतिपरायणाः।।13.26।।
anye tvevam ajānantaḥ śrutvā’nyebhya upāsate | te ’pi ca ā́titaranti eva mṛtyuṁ śruti‑parāṇāḥ
Translation
There are others who, lacking true knowledge, hear from different sources and begin worship; even they, devoted to hearing, can also cross over the ocean of death.
Word Meanings
anye — others; tve — but; evam — thus; ajānantaḥ — without spiritual knowledge; śrutvā — having heard; anyebhya — from others; upāsate — worship; te — they; ’pi — also; ca — and; ā́titaranti — transcend; eva — certainly; mṛtyuṁ — death; śruti‑parāṇāḥ — inclined to hearing
Understanding the Verse
In this verse Krishna describes a class of seekers who have not yet attained direct spiritual insight (ajānantaḥ) but are nonetheless engaged in the practice of listening (śrutvā) to teachings that come from various sources (anyebhya). Their initial approach is external – they rely on the words of others rather than personal experience. This mode of learning is not dismissed as futile; rather, Krishna emphasizes that such listeners, when truly devoted (śruti‑parāṇāḥ), can also progress toward liberation.
The term "anye" (others) signifies the diversity of aspirants who may be at different stages of understanding. "Tvevam" functions as a contrast, reminding that while they lack inner realization, they are still moving forward by hearing. The verb "upāsate" (worship) indicates that these individuals still engage in devotional activity, even if it originates from secondary knowledge. The act of worship, when coupled with sincere listening, becomes a conduit for spiritual elevation.
Krishna further assures that such devotees are capable of "ā́titaranti" – crossing over the metaphorical ocean of birth and death (mṛtyu). The ocean imagery underscores the enormity and depth of samsara, the cycle of existence. By being "śruti‑parāṇāḥ" (attached to hearing), these seekers plant the seeds of wisdom that eventually sprout into direct insight. The verse, therefore, validates the role of scriptural study and the guidance of saints as vital supports on the path to self‑realization.
From a practical standpoint, this teaching encourages modern aspirants to respect the value of scriptural study, discourses, and the guidance of qualified teachers. Even those who cannot yet perceive the supreme reality can steadily advance by immersing themselves in the sacred utterances of the Vedas, the Bhagavad‑Gītā, and the teachings of realized beings. This approach prevents premature stagnation or disillusionment, as it offers a structured means to gradually purify the mind and awaken higher consciousness.
Moreover, the verse subtly warns against the arrogance of assuming that hearing alone suffices without genuine devotion. The qualifier "śruti‑parāṇāḥ" implies that mere auditory reception without heartfelt attachment remains ineffective. True progress requires an earnest, loving surrender to the wisdom being transmitted. When such devotion is present, the aspirant, though initially dependent on others, will eventually transcend the need for external support and achieve direct realization, thereby crossing over the fearful ocean of death into the state of eternal bliss.
