Chapter 2, Verse 46
Part of 2: Sānkhya Yog — सांख्ययोगयावानर्थ उदपाने सर्वतः संप्लुतोदके। तावान्सर्वेषु वेदेषु ब्राह्मणस्य विजानतः॥
Transliteration
yāvān artha udapāne sarvataḥ samplutodake tāvānsarveṣhu vedeṣhu brāhmaṇasya vijānataḥ
Meaning
To the Brahmana who has known the Self, all the Vedas are of as much use as a reservoir of water would be in a place where there is a flood.
Word-by-word meaning
yāvān — whateverarthaḥ — purposeuda-pāne — a well of watersarvataḥ — in all respectssampluta-udake — by a large laketāvān — that manysarveṣhu — in allvedeṣhu — Vedasbrāhmaṇasya — one who realizes the Absolute Truthvijānataḥ — who is in complete knowledge
Commentary
Only for a sage who has realised the Self, the Vedas are of no use, because he is in possession of the infinite knowledge of the Self. This does not, however, mean that the Vedas are useless. They are useful for the neophytes or the aspirants who have just started on the spiritual path. All the transient pleasures derivable from the proper performance of all actions enjoined in the Vedas are comprehended in the infinite bliss of Selfknowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 46?▼
To the Brahmana who has known the Self, all the Vedas are of as much use as a reservoir of water would be in a place where there is a flood.
Which chapter and verse of the Bhagavad Gita is this?▼
This is verse 46 of Chapter 2 (Sānkhya Yog — Transcendental Knowledge) of the Bhagavad Gita, a scripture of 18 chapters and 700 verses spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna.