In Bhagavad Gita 5.25, Krishna says the sages whose sins are destroyed, whose doubts are cut, who are self-controlled and devoted to the welfare of all beings, attain Brahma-nirvana.
Sanskrit Verse
श्रीभगवानुवाच · The Blessed Lord said
लभन्ते ब्रह्मनिर्वाणम्
ऋषयः क्षीणकल्मषाः
छिन्नद्वैधा यतात्मानः
सर्वभूतहिते रताः ॥ ५-२५ ॥
labhante brahmanirvāṇam
ṛṣayaḥ kṣīṇakalmaṣāḥ
chinnadvaidhā yatātmānaḥ
sarvabhūtahite ratāḥ
English transliteration labhante brahmanirvaanam
rishayah ksheenakalmashaah
chhinnadvaidhaa yataatmaanah
sarvabhootahite rataah ॥ 5.25 ॥
Translation / Meaning
The sages whose sins have been destroyed, whose doubts have been cut asunder, who are self-controlled and who delight in the welfare of all beings, attain liberation in Brahman.
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| लभन्ते labhante | attain |
| ब्रह्मनिर्वाणम् brahmanirvāṇam | liberation in Brahman |
| ऋषयः ṛṣayaḥ | the sages |
| क्षीणकल्मषाः kṣīṇakalmaṣāḥ | whose impurities are destroyed kṣīṇa (destroyed) + kalmaṣāḥ (impurities) |
| छिन्नद्वैधाः chinnadvaidhāḥ | whose doubts are cut chinna (cut) + dvaidhāḥ (doubts, dualities) |
| यतात्मानः yatātmānaḥ | self-controlled |
| सर्वभूतहिते sarvabhūtahite | in the welfare of all beings sarva (all) + bhūta (beings) + hite (in the welfare) |
| रताः ratāḥ | delighting |
Word-wise Chanting
- la–bhan–te brah–ma–nir–vā–ṇam– 8 syllables la-bhan-te brah-ma-nir-vaa-nam-
- ṛ–ṣa–yaḥ kṣī–ṇa–kal–ma–ṣāḥ | 8 syllables ri-sha-yah kshee-na-kal-ma-shaah
- chin–nad–vai–dhā ya–tāt–mā–naḥ 8 syllables chhin-nad-vai-dhaa ya-taat-maa-nah
- sar–va–bhū–ta–hi–te ra–tāḥ || 5-25 8 syllables sar-va-bhoo-ta-hi-te ra-taah
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 5 Verse 25
Context
Krishna continues describing those who attain liberation (5.24–5.26).
Meaning
These sages are purified of sin, free from doubt and self-controlled. Above all, they are sarva-bhūta-hite ratāḥ: they delight in the welfare of all beings. Liberation in the Gita is not selfish escape; it overflows as compassion and active care for the world.
This verse unites mysticism and service. The one who knows the Self in all naturally works for the good of all. Spiritual realisation without compassion is incomplete; compassion grounded in realisation is unshakable.
In Practice
Do one act today purely for the welfare of others, with no thought of yourself.
Related Verses
Continue Your Study
This verse belongs to Chapter 5: Karma Sannyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Renunciation). 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.