जरामरणमोक्षाय मामाश्रित्य यतन्ति ये। ते ब्रह्म तद्विदुः कृत्स्नमध्यात्मं कर्म चाखिलम्।।7.29।।
jaramaranamokshaya mamashritya yatanti ye. te brahma tadviduh krtsnam adhyatmam karma ca akhilam
Translation
Those who take shelter in Me, striving for liberation from old age and death, indeed know Brahman, the transcendental self, and the entire field of karmic activity.
Word Meanings
jarā — from old age; maraṇa — and death; mokṣāya — for the purpose of liberation; mām — Me; āśritya — taking shelter of; yatanti — endeavor; ye — all those who; te — such persons; brahma — Brahman; tat — actually that; viduḥ — they know; kṛtsnam — everything; adhyātmam — transcendental; karma — activities; ca — also; akhilam — entirely
Understanding the Verse
In this verse Krishna reveals the profound result of sincere surrender to the Divine. When a seeker grasps the impermanence of life—symbolized by the twin enemies of 'jarā' (old age) and 'maraṇa' (death)—and turns toward Krishna as the ultimate refuge, a radical transformation occurs. The seeker does not merely seek worldly safety; the goal is 'mokṣa', complete liberation from the cyclical forces that bind consciousness. By taking shelter (āśritya) in the Supreme, the aspirant transcends the limited identification with the body and mind, thereby attaining a direct knowledge (viduḥ) of 'Brahman', the infinite reality that underlies all existence. This knowledge is not an intellectual concept but a living awareness that perceives the self (adhyātmam) as inherently divine and beyond material constraints.
The verse also emphasizes that this realization includes 'kṛtsnam adhyātmam', meaning the totality of the individual soul and its relationship to the cosmic principle. Once the veil of ignorance is lifted, the seeker perceives the entire spectrum of activity—'karma'—as a unified field rather than a series of isolated actions. Consequently, the devotee understands that all deeds, whether performed in this life or past, are part of the divine play (lila) and are ultimately governed by the Supreme's will. This comprehension dissolves the ego's sense of ownership and fosters a spirit of selfless service.
Moreover, the phrase 'karma ca akhilam' expands the insight to encompass the whole of karmic action, indicating that the devotee sees even the most subtle influences—thoughts, emotions, and desires—as manifestations of cosmic law. Recognizing this truth leads to an inner equanimity, because the seeker no longer fears the consequences of actions; instead, they rest in the assurance that the Supreme orchestrates all outcomes. This surrender, rooted in love and trust, is the very essence of bhakti yoga.
Krishna's teaching here carries a timeless message for contemporary seekers: the path to liberation is not through intellectual debate or ritualistic adherence alone, but through heartfelt devotion and the conscious decision to renounce the fear of aging and death. By anchoring oneself in the divine presence, one transcends the temporal realm and experiences the everlasting reality that is both the source and destination of all souls. This realization empowers the practitioner to live with compassion, wisdom, and an unwavering sense of purpose, knowing that every action participates in the grand tapestry of the Divine.
