Chapter 5, Verse 17
तद्बुद्धयस्तदात्मानस्तन्निष्ठास्तत्परायणा: | गच्छन्त्यपुनरावृत्तिं ज्ञाननिर्धूतकल्मषा: ॥17॥
tad-buddhayaḥ tad-ātmānaḥ tan-niṣṭhāḥ tat-parāyaṇaḥ | gacchanty apunar-āvṛttiṁ jñāna-nirdhūta-kalmaṣāḥ
"Those whose intellect is set on Him, whose self is identified with Him, who are established in Him, and who have Him as their supreme goal—they reach the state of no return, their sins having been dispelled by knowledge."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 5.17 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 5.17 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse describes the four-fold path of total absorption (Samadhi) into the Supreme. 'Tadbuddhayaḥ' implies the redirection of the intellect; 'Tadātmanaḥ' implies the merging of the ego/mind; 'Tanniṣṭhāḥ' represents unwavering conviction; and 'Tatparāyaṇaḥ' denotes making the Divine the ultimate destination. This holistic integration results in 'Jñāna-nirdhūta-kalmaṣāḥ'—where the 'dirt' of past impressions (vasanas) and sins are purified by the fire of realization, leading to 'Apunar-āvṛttiṁ', or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 5.17?
Those whose intellect is set on Him, whose self is identified with Him, who are established in Him, and who have Him as their supreme goal—they reach the state of no return, their sins having been dispelled by knowledge.