Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13 Verse 26 Meaning

Others, too, who do not know thus, worship, having heard of It from others; they, too, cross beyond death, regarding what they have heard as the supreme refuge.

BG 13.26

अन्ये त्वेवमजानन्तः श्रुत्वाऽन्येभ्य उपासते।तेऽपि चातितरन्त्येव मृत्युं श्रुतिपरायणाः

anye tv evam ajānantaḥ śhrutvānyebhya upāsate te ’pi chātitaranty eva mṛityuṁ śhruti-parāyaṇāḥ

Meaning

Others, too, who do not know thus, worship, having heard of It from others; they, too, cross beyond death, regarding what they have heard as the supreme refuge.

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What Does Bhagavad Gita 13.26 Mean?

The Gita addresses body and soul with characteristic directness here. Others, too, who do not know thus, worship, having heard of It from others; they, too, cross beyond death, regarding what they have heard as the supreme refuge. Within the broader arc of Chapter 13, this verse builds on Krishna's systematic exposition of knowledge. Ramanuja's commentary highlights how this verse reinforces the accessibility of the Gita's path.

The teaching on body and soul is presented not as an elite attainment but as a practical orientation available to anyone willing to examine their motivations and actions honestly. What makes this teaching enduringly relevant is its refusal to separate the spiritual from the ordinary. The very situations that challenge us become the ground of practice when approached with the understanding this verse provides.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

What Is the Context of Bhagavad Gita 13.26?

Understanding the body (field) and the soul (knower of the field).

Key themes in this chapter include Body and soul, Knowledge, Nature.

How Can I Apply Bhagavad Gita 13.26 in Daily Life?

  • When you need steadiness while dealing with body and soul
  • When practicing knowledge amid uncertainty
  • When applying nature to real-life choices

Verse FAQs

What is the main idea of Bhagavad Gita 13.26?
The Gita addresses body and soul with characteristic directness here. Others, too, who do not know thus, worship, having heard of It from others; they, too, cross beyond death, regarding what they have heard as the supreme refuge. Within the broader arc of Chapter 13, this verse builds on Krishna's...
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 13.26 in daily life?
Apply this teaching when making choices or doing your duties. Focus on knowledge and keep your mind steady regardless of outcomes.

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← Back to Chapter 13: The Yoga of the Field and Knower

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