Bhagavad Gita 5.25 — Sages Free from Impurities Attain Brahma-Nirvāṇa
लभन्ते ब्रह्मनिर्वाणमृषयः क्षीणकल्मषाः ।
छिन्नद्वैधा यतात्मानः सर्वभूतहिते रताः ॥ ५.२५ ॥
The sages whose impurities have been removed, whose doubts have been dispelled, whose minds are disciplined, and who are devoted to the welfare of all beings attain Brahma-Nirvāṇa, the state of supreme peace and liberation.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| labhante | attain |
| brahmanirvāṇam | the supreme peace of Brahman |
| ṛṣayaḥ | the sages |
| kṣīṇakalmaṣāḥ | whose sins have been destroyed |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| chinnadvaidhāḥ | whose doubts have been cut asunder |
| yatātmānaḥ | who have mastered their minds |
| sarvabhūtahite | for the welfare of all beings |
| ratāḥ | engaged, devoted |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| labhante | attain | chinnadvaidhāḥ | whose doubts have been cut asunder |
| brahmanirvāṇam | the supreme peace of Brahman | yatātmānaḥ | who have mastered their minds |
| ṛṣayaḥ | the sages | sarvabhūtahite | for the welfare of all beings |
| kṣīṇakalmaṣāḥ | whose sins have been destroyed | ratāḥ | engaged, devoted |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna describes the qualities of those noble souls who attain Brahma-nirvāṇa—the supreme state of peace and liberation. Their inner transformation naturally expresses itself through the way they live and relate to the world.
Essence
The marks of liberated souls
Here, Lord Krishna outlines the qualities that characterize those whose lives have been illuminated by Self-knowledge.
Kṣīṇa-kalmaṣāḥ: Through spiritual practice and true knowledge, their inner impurities, selfish tendencies, and accumulated negativities have gradually been washed away. Their hearts have become pure and transparent.
Chinna-dvaidhāḥ: Their doubts and inner conflicts have come to an end. Having realized the Truth, they no longer remain confused about the purpose of life or their true identity.
Yatātmānaḥ: They have gained mastery over their mind and senses. Their thoughts, emotions, and actions are guided by wisdom rather than by impulse or habit.
Sarva-bhūta-hite ratāḥ: Self-realization does not make them indifferent to the world. Instead, it fills them with compassion and a genuine concern for the welfare of all living beings. Their lives naturally become an expression of service and kindness.
Brahma-nirvāṇam: Such purified, disciplined, and compassionate souls attain supreme peace and complete inner freedom.
Message for our lives
This verse teaches that genuine spiritual growth is reflected not merely in mystical experiences, but in the transformation of one's character.
Knowledge expressed through conduct: True wisdom makes a person more humble, balanced, disciplined, and compassionate. If knowledge does not improve our behaviour, it has not yet fully matured.
Living for the good of all: As selfishness gradually fades, concern for the well-being of others naturally grows. This spirit of selfless service brings the seeker ever closer to lasting peace and liberation.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has described the qualities of those who attain supreme peace. In the next verse, He explains how such realized souls, having conquered desire and anger, experience Brahma-nirvāṇa wherever they are.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
The highest wisdom naturally expresses itself as concern for others.
Inner clarity and outer compassion grow together.
A purified heart becomes a blessing to the world.
Doubt divides energy; clarity unifies it.
The greatest leaders serve something larger than themselves.
True realization expands the circle of care.
A life dedicated to the welfare of all brings deep inner fulfillment.