नैते सृती पार्थ जानन्योगी मुह्यति कश्चन। तस्मात्सर्वेषु कालेषु योगयुक्तो भवार्जुन।।8.27।।
naite sṛtī pārtha jānanyogī muhyati kaścana | tasmātsarveṣu kāleṣu yoga‑yukto bhava arjuna ||8.27||
Translation
Yogis who know the secret of these two paths, O Partha, are never bewildered. Therefore, at all times be united with yoga, O Arjuna.
Word Meanings
na — never; ete — these two; sṛtī — different paths; pārtha — O son of Pṛthā; jānanyogī — even if he knows; muhyati — is bewildered; kaścana — any; tasmāt — therefore; sarveṣu kāleṣu — always; yoga‑yuktaḥ — engaged in Kṛṣṇa consciousness; bhava — just become; arjuna — O Arjuna
Understanding the Verse
Verse 27 of Chapter 8 emphasizes the stability that arises from true knowledge of the two ultimate paths – the path of the material world (sṛtī) and the path of spiritual realization. The sage Krishna tells Arjuna that a yogi who comprehends this duality does not fall into confusion, no matter how intense the surrounding circumstances become. This is because such a yogi has transcended the illusion of seeing the world as a single, contradictory reality.
The term “naite sṛtī” (these two paths) refers to the worldly journey driven by desire and the transcendent journey that leads to the Supreme. By recognizing that both are temporary manifestations of the Divine, a seeker can remain unattached, thereby preventing the mind from being swept away by the tides of pleasure or pain. This knowledge eliminates the root cause of bewilderment – ignorance (avidyā).
Krishna addresses Arjuna as “pārtha”, reminding him of his lineage and the responsibility that comes with it. The phrase “jānanyogī muhyati kaścana” directly translates to “even a learned yogi can become bewildered if he does not know”. The implicit warning is that mere intellectual understanding is insufficient; the knowledge must be internalized through disciplined practice (yoga).
The injunction “tasmāt sarveṣu kāleṣu yoga‑yukto bhava” is a call for constant remembrance of the divine. ‘Sarveṣu kāleṣu’ means at all times – past, present, and future – indicating that spiritual consciousness should permeate every moment, not just in meditation. “Yoga‑yuktaḥ” signifies one who is united with the divine, whose actions, thoughts, and speech are aligned with the Supreme. By maintaining this alignment, the yogi remains immune to the mental turbulence that ensnares ordinary beings.
Finally, the verse concludes with a personal appeal: “bhava arjuna”. The term “bhava” is a gentle urging to become, to assume the posture of a yogi. It is an invitation for Arjuna – and by extension, every seeker – to embody the perpetual state of devotional consciousness. This transformation is not a one‑time event but a continuous, dynamic process that unfolds as one lives in awareness of the ultimate reality.
In summary, this verse teaches that the key to unwavering steadiness lies in the clear comprehension of the two paths and the unwavering practice of yoga. When this integration occurs, the soul remains undisturbed by the vicissitudes of life, ever aligned with the Divine presence.
