Chapter 8, Verse 3
श्रीभगवानुवाच |
अक्षरं ब्रह्म परमं स्वभावोऽध्यात्ममुच्यते |
भूतभावोद्भवकरो विसर्ग: कर्मसञ्ज्ञित: ॥3॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca
akṣaraṁ brahma paramaṁ svabhāvo ’dhyātmam ucyate
bhūta-bhāvodbhava-karo visargaḥ karma-sañjñitaḥ
"The Supreme Lord said: The Indestructible is the Supreme Brahman; its dwelling in the individual body is called Adhyatma. The creative force that causes the manifestation of the beings is termed Karma."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 8.3 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 8.3 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
In response to Arjuna's questions, Krishna defines several metaphysical terms. 'Brahman' is the Supreme, Imperishable Reality (Aksharam). 'Adhyatma' refers to the inherent nature (Svabhava) of the Self dwelling within the individual. 'Karma' is defined here in a cosmic sense: the 'Visarga' or the creative discharge/offering that causes the origin and development of all beings. This explanation bridges the gap between the transcendental Absolute and the empirical world of action and manifestation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 8.3?
The Supreme Lord said: The Indestructible is the Supreme Brahman; its dwelling in the individual body is called Adhyatma. The creative force that causes the manifestation of the beings is termed Karma.