Chapter 13, Verse 17
अविभक्तं च भूतेषु विभक्तमिव च स्थितम् |
भूतभर्तृ च तज्ज्ञेयं ग्रसिष्णु प्रभविष्णु च ॥17॥
avibhaktaṁ cha bhūteṣhu vibhaktam iva cha sthitam |
bhūta-bhartṛi cha taj jñeyaṁ grasiṣhṇu prabhaviṣhṇu cha
"And the Knowable, though undivided, appears to be existing as divided in all beings, and It is the sustainer of all beings as also the devourer and originator."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 13.17 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 13.17 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse describes the paradoxical nature of the Supreme Reality (Brahman/Paramatma). It is 'avibhaktam' (undivided) because the same consciousness pervades everything, yet it appears 'vibhaktam iva' (as if divided) because it dwells in the hearts of diverse living beings. Just as space appears divided by the walls of many rooms but remains one continuous space, or as the sun appears as many reflections in different puddles, the Divine remains one. Furthermore, it performs the three cosmic functions: Srishti (originator/prabhavishnu), Sthiti (sustainer/bhuta-bhartri), and Laya (devourer/grasishnu), representing the cyclical nature of time and existence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 13.17?
And the Knowable, though undivided, appears to be existing as divided in all beings, and It is the sustainer of all beings as also the devourer and originator.