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Shloka 8.3
श्रीभगवानुवाच | अक्षरं ब्रह्म परमं स्वभावोऽध्यात्ममुच्यते | भूतभावोद्भवकरो विसर्गः कर्मसंज्ञितः ||८-३||
śrībhagavānuvāca . akṣaraṃ brahma paramaṃ svabhāvo.adhyātmamucyate . bhūtabhāvodbhavakaro visargaḥ karmasaṃjñitaḥ ||8-3||
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The Translation

“The Supreme Lord said: The indestructible, supreme reality is Brahman. Its essential nature (the soul) is called Adhyatma. The creative force that causes the manifestation of the existence of beings is called Karma.”

Commentary & Insights

Krishna answers Arjuna's questions, defining Brahman as the Supreme Imperishable, Adhyatma as one's own nature (the Self), and Karma as the creative force that causes creation.

Practical Application
1

Reflect on your natural tendencies (Svabhava) today, and ensure your daily work (Karma) is aligned with your authentic strengths.

Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
  • If your true essence (*svabhāva*) is the indestructible Adhyatma (soul), why do you identify so strongly with the transient body and mind?
  • How does the definition of Karma here as a 'creative force' (*visargaḥ*) change your understanding of action as a cosmic, life-sustaining mechanism rather than just a personal checklist of chores?

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8.3
श्रीभगवानुवाच