In Bhagavad Gita 8.19, Krishna says that this same multitude of beings, coming into being again and again, dissolves helplessly at nightfall and arises again at daybreak.
Sanskrit Verse
श्रीभगवानुवाच · The Blessed Lord said
भूतग्रामः स एवायं
भूत्वा भूत्वा प्रलीयते
रात्र्यागमेऽवशः पार्थ
प्रभवत्यहरागमे ॥ ८-१९ ॥
bhūtagrāmaḥ sa evāyaṃ
bhūtvā bhūtvā pralīyate
rātryāgame’vaśaḥ pārtha
prabhavatyaharāgame
English transliteration bhootagraamah sa evaayam
bhootvaa bhootvaa praleeyate
raatryaagame’vashah paartha
prabhavatyaharaagame ॥ 8.19 ॥
Translation / Meaning
This same multitude of beings, coming into existence again and again, dissolves helplessly at the coming of night, O Partha, and arises again at the coming of day.
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| भूतग्रामः bhūtagrāmaḥ | multitude of beings bhūta (beings) + grāmaḥ (multitude) |
| सः saḥ | that |
| एव eva | same |
| अयम् ayam | this |
| भूत्वा भूत्वा bhūtvā bhūtvā | coming into existence again and again |
| प्रलीयते pralīyate | dissolves |
| रात्र्यागमे rātryāgame | at the coming of night |
| अवशः avaśaḥ | helplessly |
| पार्थ pārtha | O Pārtha |
| प्रभवति prabhavati | arises |
| अहरागमे aharāgame | at the coming of day |
Word-wise Chanting
- bhū–tag–rā–maḥ sa e–vā–yaṃ 8 syllables bhoo-tag-raa-mah sa e-vaa-yam
- bhūt–vā bhūt–vā pra–lī–ya–te | 8 syllables bhoot-vaa bhoot-vaa pra-lee-ya-te
- rāt–ryā–ga–me–‘va–śaḥ pār–tha 8 syllables raat-ryaa-ga-me-‘va-shah paar-tha
- pra–bha–vat–ya–ha–rā–ga–me || 8-19 8 syllables pra-bha-vat-ya-ha-raa-ga-me
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 8 Verse 19
Context
Krishna concludes his description of the cosmic cycle (8.17–8.19).
Meaning
The same beings appear again and again, bhūtvā bhūtvā, and dissolve avaśa, helplessly, without choice, under the power of the cosmic rhythm. The repetition of the phrase evokes the endless turning of the wheel of existence.
The word avaśa, helpless, is important. Within the cycle, beings are carried along by forces beyond their control. Liberation means stepping out of this helplessness into freedom in the Divine.
In Practice
Notice one habit you repeat helplessly. Bring awareness to it, and take one small step toward freedom from it.
Related Verses
Continue Your Study
This verse belongs to Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma Yoga (The Imperishable Absolute). 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.