bahirantashcha bhootaanaamacharam charameva cha | sookshmavaattadavigneyam doorastham chaantike cha tat ||16||
अनुवाद
The Supreme Truth exists outside and inside all living beings, the moving and the nonmoving. Because He is subtle, He is beyond the power of the material senses to see or to know. Although far, far away, He is also near to all.
शब्दार्थ
बहिः
outside
अन्तः
inside
च
also
भूतानाम्
of all living beings
अचरम्
not moving, stationary
चरम्
moving
एव
also
च
and
सूक्ष्मत्वात्
on account of being subtle
तत्
that
अविज्ञेयम्
unknowable, incomprehensible
दूरस्थम्
far away
च
also
अन्तिके
near
च
and
तत्
that
टीका
Commentary
From Vedic literature we know that the Supreme Person, Narayana, dwells both outside and inside every living being. He is present in both the physical and spiritual worlds simultaneously. Although He is very far away, He is also very near to us. These are the statements of Vedic literature.
The Kathopanishad (1.2.21) states: aaseeno door vrajati shayaano yaati sarvatah — though seated far away, He goes everywhere; though lying down, He moves in all directions. We cannot understand how such transcendental opulence is possible through our material senses — we can neither see nor comprehend His workings through these limited instruments.
The Vedic language tells us that our material mind and senses are incapable of understanding Him. But one who has purified his mind and senses through the practice of devotion (bhakti) in Krishna consciousness can see Him constantly within his heart. The Brahma Samhita confirms that for the devotee in whose heart love for God has arisen, the Lord is always visible.
And in the Bhagavad Gita (11.54), it is confirmed that He can be understood only through undivided devotional service. Therefore, the apparent contradiction of being far and near, outside and inside, is resolved through bhakti — the path of loving devotion that purifies the heart and allows one to perceive the Lord everywhere at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Bhagavad Gita 13.16 mean?
- The Supreme Truth exists outside and inside all living beings, the moving and the nonmoving. Because He is subtle, He is beyond the power of the material senses to see or to know. Although far, far away, He is also near to all.
- What is the Sanskrit text of Bhagavad Gita 13.16?
- The original Sanskrit verse is: bahirantashcha bhootaanaamacharam charameva cha | sookshmavaattadavigneyam doorastham chaantike cha tat ||16||
- What are the key themes of this verse?
- This verse explores: omnipresence, subtlety, transcendence, immanence.