In Bhagavad Gita 15.20, the last verse of Chapter 15, Krishna says he has taught this most secret science; understanding it, one becomes wise and fulfils all duties.
Sanskrit Verse
श्रीभगवानुवाच · The Blessed Lord said
इति गुह्यतमं शास्त्रम्
इदमुक्तं मयानघ
एतद्बुद्ध्वा बुद्धिमान्स्यात्
कृतकृत्यश्च भारत ॥ १५-२० ॥
iti guhyatamaṃ śāstram
idamuktaṃ mayānagha
etadbuddhvā buddhimānsyāt
kṛtakṛtyaśca bhārata
English transliteration iti guhyatamam shaastram
idamuktam mayaanagha
etadbuddhvaa buddhimaansyaat
kritakrityashcha bhaarata ॥ 15.20 ॥
Translation / Meaning
Thus, O sinless one, this most secret teaching has been imparted by Me. Understanding it, one becomes wise and has accomplished all that is to be done, O descendant of Bharata.
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| इति iti | thus |
| गुह्यतमम् guhyatamam | most secret |
| शास्त्रम् śāstram | teaching |
| इदम् idam | this |
| उक्तम् uktam | imparted |
| मया mayā | by Me |
| अनघ anagha | O sinless one |
| एतत् etat | this |
| बुद्ध्वा buddhvā | understanding |
| बुद्धिमान् buddhimān | wise |
| स्यात् syāt | becomes |
| कृतकृत्यः kṛtakṛtyaḥ | one who has accomplished all that is to be done kṛta (done) + kṛtyaḥ (to be done) |
| च ca | and |
| भारत bhārata | O descendant of Bharata |
Word-wise Chanting
- i–ti guh–ya–ta–maṃ śās–tram– 8 syllables i-ti guh-ya-ta-mam shaas-tram-
- i–da–muk–taṃ ma–yā–na–gha | 8 syllables i-da-muk-tam ma-yaa-na-gha
- e–tad–bud–dhvā bud–dhi–mān–syāt– 8 syllables e-tad-bud-dhvaa bud-dhi-maan-syaat-
- kṛ–ta–kṛt–yaś–ca bhā–ra–ta || 15-20 8 syllables kri-ta-krit-yash-cha bhaa-ra-ta
How to read this
How to chant: each line is one pāda (quarter-verse); chant it in one breath. The hyphen (-) divides the syllables, inside a word and across a sandhi join, so every pāda shows its 8 syllables (11 in triṣṭubh verses). A consonant cluster is divided after its first consonant (kar-ma, vet-ti): that syllable is held longer. Mark above a syllable: guru, long (two beats); laghu, short (one beat). | closes the half-verse, || the verse; the number is the syllable count of the pāda.
Deeper Explanation – Chapter 15 Verse 20
Context
The final verse of Chapter 15 concludes the teaching on the Supreme Person.
Meaning
Krishna calls this teaching guhyatama śāstra, the most secret science. One who understands it becomes buddhimān, truly wise, and kṛtakṛtya, one whose life’s purpose is fulfilled. Nothing more remains to be done.
This chapter is often recited daily, especially before meals. Its knowledge is said to fulfil the purpose of human life.
In Practice
Read or recite this chapter once this week, and reflect on what it means for your life’s purpose.
Related Verses
Continue Your Study
This verse belongs to Chapter 15: Purushottama Yoga (The Supreme Person). Read the chapter overview, browse every verse of the Gita, or return to the chapter-by-chapter guide. For a reading plan, see how to study the Bhagavad Gita and the study resources.