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Chapter 16 · Verse 13

Chapter 16Verse 13

Gita Chapter 16 Verse 13

Timeless wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita

इदमद्य मया लब्धमिमं प्राप्स्ये मनोरथम्। इदमस्तीदम् अपि मे भविष्यति पुनः धनम्।।16.13।।

idam adya mayā labhdam imaṁ prāpsyē manoratham. idam sthī dām api me bhaviṣyati punaḥ dhanam.

Translation

This has been gained by me today; this object of my desire I shall attain in future; this is mine now, and this wealth also shall be mine soon.

Word Meanings

इदम् — this; अद्य — today; मया — by me; लब्धम् — obtained; इदम् — this; प्राप्स्ये — shall obtain; मनोरथम् — object of desire; इदम् — this; स्थी — shall remain; दम् — (refers to the same 'this'); अपि — also; मे — my; भविष्यति — will become; पुनः — again/soon; धनम् — wealth

Understanding the Verse

The verse expresses a personal affirmation of success and future prosperity. It begins with "इदमद्य मया लब्धम्" – “This today has been attained by me.” The speaker acknowledges a present accomplishment, recognizing that the effort and will have already produced a tangible result. This statement sets a tone of confidence, indicating that the path chosen has yielded fruit.

The next phrase, "इमं प्राप्स्ये मनोरथम्," shifts the focus to a goal that is still ahead. "मनोरथम्" denotes an object of deep desire, a cherished aim that the speaker envisions attaining. By stating "प्राप्स्ये" (will obtain), the verse conveys a determined intention, reinforcing the belief that the future is as attainable as the present. This forward‑looking mindset reflects a key teaching of the Gītā – the importance of aligning present action (karma) with future aspiration, thereby creating a continuity of purpose.

The clause "इदमस्तीदम् अपि मे भविष्यति" can be rendered as “This will remain mine as well.” Here the speaker affirms that the present benefit will not be fleeting; it will endure. The word "भविष्यति" (will become) underscores the certainty of continuity, suggesting that the present acquisition is not an isolated event but part of a larger, stable accumulation.

Finally, "पुनः धनम्" adds the promise of additional wealth. The speaker acknowledges that not only will the current gains persist, but new material prosperity will also come "punaḥ" (again/soon). This reflects a broader philosophical view that sincere effort, combined with divine guidance, leads to an ever‑expanding cycle of abundance.

Within the context of Chapter 16, which discusses divine and demoniac qualities, this verse can be seen as an embodiment of the divine aspect – confidence rooted in dharma‑aligned action, the aspiration for higher goals, and a belief in the sustenance of righteousness‑born wealth. The speaker’s optimism is not merely materialistic; it is anchored in the inner conviction that ethical conduct yields lasting benefit.

The structure of the verse—present achievement, future goal, sustained possession, and upcoming wealth—mirrors the Gītā’s teaching of "yoga" as a progressive journey. Each stage reinforces the previous one, illustrating that a single truthful deed expands into a series of positive outcomes. In practical terms, the verse encourages readers to recognize their current successes, set clear aspirations, trust in the durability of righteous gains, and remain open to further blessings. This holistic approach transforms ordinary ambition into a spiritual practice, aligning personal desire with the universal principle that virtuous action naturally attracts flourishing. The verse thereby serves as a concise yet profound mantra for those seeking to blend material well‑being with spiritual growth.

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