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Bhagavad-gītā 18.63

इति ते ज्ञानमाख्यातं गुह्याद्‍‍गुह्यतरं मया । विमृश्यैतदशेषेण यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु ॥ ६३ ॥
iti te jñānam ākhyātaṁ
[iti te jnaanam aakhyaatam]
guhyād guhya-taraṁ mayā
[guhyaad guhya-taram mayaa]
vimṛśyaitad aśeṣeṇa
[vimrishyaitad asheshena]
yathecchasi tathā kuru
[yathechchasi tathaa kuru]
Word-for-word
iti — thus te — unto you jñānam — knowledge ākhyātam — described guhyāt — than confidential guhya - taram — still more confidential mayā — by Me vimṛśya — deliberating etat — on this aśeṣeṇa — fully yathā — as icchasi — you like tathā — that kuru — perform .
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
iti te jñānam ākhyātaṁ
iti
thus
te
unto you
jñānam
knowledge
ākhyātam
described
guhyād guhya-taraṁ mayā
guhyāt
than confidential
guhya - taram
still more confidential
mayā
by Me
vimṛśyaitad aśeṣeṇa
vimṛśya
deliberating
etat
on this
aśeṣeṇa
fully
yathecchasi tathā kuru
yathā
as
icchasi
you like
tathā
that
kuru
perform .
Important Words
  • ākhyātam — described
    Past participle — *has been declared*. The Gītā as a body of jñāna is now finished. The verse marks the formal end of exposition.
  • guhya - taram — still more confidential
    Comparative compound. The knowledge has been deeper than secret — *most* secret. Kṛṣṇa is rating his own teaching: there is nothing deeper than what he has just disclosed.
  • vimṛśya — having deliberated
    Gerund from vi-mṛś — to consider thoroughly. The disciple is asked to *think it through* — not to obey reflexively. The Gītā prizes reflective response, not blind compliance.
  • aśeṣeṇa — without remainder, completely
    Adverb. Total reflection — not partial digestion. The disciple is to weigh the whole teaching, not just the easy parts.
  • kuru — perform
    Imperative — *do*. In the famous phrase yathā icchasi tathā kuru (as you wish, so do). After offering the deepest knowledge, Kṛṣṇa refuses to coerce. Arjuna's response must come from his own settled volition.
Thus I have explained to you knowledge still more confidential. Deliberate on this fully, and then do what you wish to do.
Classical Sanskrit analysis शास्त्रीय विश्लेषण
How Sanskrit scholars read this verse — split, rearranged, grammar-tagged. For the plain English distilled meaning, jump to Plain meaning below.
Auto-generated study layers — original analysis of the public-domain śloka. Review against a published edition for academic work.
Plain meaning (तात्पर्य · Tātparya)
Kṛṣṇa pauses to formally close the teaching: 'I have told you what is more secret than secret; weigh it in full and decide as you wish.' The autonomy of the disciple is respected — the teaching does not coerce.
Further notes (विवरण · Vivaraṇa)
A remarkable verse for its respect of Arjuna's freedom. Notwithstanding the imperatives of vv. 57 and 62, Kṛṣṇa leaves the final choice to Arjuna — knowledge is offered, not imposed. 'Yathecchasi tathā kuru' is a freedom-clause anticipating the apparent finality. But the most confidential instruction is yet to come in vv. 64-66.
Prose order (अन्वय · Anvaya)
इति ते मया गुह्यात् गुह्य-तरं ज्ञानम् आख्यातम् । एतत् अशेषेण विमृश्य यथा इच्छसि तथा कुरु ।
iti te mayā guhyāt guhya-taraṃ jñānam ākhyātam | etat aśeṣeṇa vimṛśya yathā icchasi tathā kuru |
Thus I have declared to you the knowledge more secret than the secret. Having considered it completely, do as you wish.
Word split (पदच्छेद · Padaccheda)
इति ते ज्ञानम् आख्यातं गुह्यात् गुह्य-तरं मया । विमृश्य एतत् अशेषेण यथा इच्छसि तथा कुरु ॥
iti te jñānam ākhyātaṃ guhyāt guhya-taraṃ mayā | vimṛśya etat aśeṣeṇa yathā icchasi tathā kuru ||
Grammar (व्याकरण · Vyākaraṇa)
SanskritIASTGrammarMeaning
इति iti ind. (indeclinable) thus
ते te युष्मद् (pron. (pronoun)) gen.sg. (genitive singular) to you
ज्ञानम् jñānam ज्ञान (n.) nom.sg. (nominative singular) knowledge
आख्यातम् ākhyātam आ + √ख्या p.p.p. (past passive participle) nom.sg. (nominative singular)n. declared
गुह्यात् guhyāt गुह्य (adj.) abl.sg. (ablative singular)n. than the secret
गुह्य-तरम् guhya-taram compar. (comparative) nom.sg. (nominative singular)n. more secret
मया mayā अस्मद् (pron. (pronoun)) ins.sg. (instrumental singular) by Me
विमृश्य vimṛśya वि + √मृश् abs. (absolutive) having considered
एतत् etat एतद् (pron. (pronoun)) acc.sg. (accusative singular)n. this
अशेषेण aśeṣeṇa ind. (indeclinable) completely
यथा yathā ind. (indeclinable) as
इच्छसि icchasi √इष् pres. (present) 2sg.par. (parasmaipada / active voice) you wish
तथा tathā ind. (indeclinable) so
कुरु kuru √कृ impv. 2sg.par. (parasmaipada / active voice) do!
Purport

The Lord has already explained to Arjuna the knowledge of brahma-bhūta. One who is in the brahma-bhūta condition is joyful; he never laments, nor does he desire anything. That is due to confidential knowledge. Kṛṣṇa also discloses knowledge of the Supersoul. This is also Brahman knowledge, knowledge of Brahman, but it is superior. Here the words yathecchasi tathā kuru – “As you like, you may act” – indicate that God does not interfere with the little independence of the living entity. In Bhagavad-gītā, the Lord has explained in all respects how one can elevate his living condition. The best advice imparted to Arjuna is to surrender unto the Supersoul seated within his heart. By right discrimination, one should agree to act according to the order of the Supersoul. That will help one become situated constantly in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the highest perfectional stage of human life. Arjuna is being directly ordered by the Personality of Godhead to fight. Surrender to the Supreme Personality of Godhead is in the best interest of the living entities. It is not for the interest of the Supreme. Before surrendering, one is free to deliberate on this subject as far as the intelligence goes; that is the best way to accept the instruction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Such instruction comes also through the spiritual master, the bona fide representative of Kṛṣṇa.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
63. Thus I have explained a scripture more secret than the secret knowledge of karma, jñāna and aṣṭāṅga-yoga. Considering this thoroughly, do as you wish to do.
Commentary

Here the Lord concludes the whole subject of Gītā. Jñāna or knowledge consists of karma-yoga, aṣṭāṅga-yoga and jñāna-yoga. The word jñāna means “that by which one knows.” Thus jñāna refers to a process, in this case scriptures, which produce knowledge of these sādhanas. I have revealed a scripture, jñāna, which is more secret than those scriptures (guhyād guhyataram), a process that has not been revealed in the scriptures written by authors such as Vasiṣṭa, Bādarāyaṇa or Nārada. Another meaning is: In relation to their omniscience, I am infinite. Thus they cannot understand the knowledge because of its most confidential nature. I also did not teach them at all because of its intensely confidential nature. Considering this thoroughly (aśeṣeṇa), as is suitable to your taste, do what you want to do. Thus, the last six chapters concerning jñāna have been completed. These three groups of six chapters, the Gītā, the crown jewel of all knowledge, are the box containing the most valuable secret treasure of bhakti. The first six chapters, concerning karma, are the lower covering made of gold. The last six chapters, concerning jñāna, are the lid made of gold and studded with jewels. Within the middle six chapters, resting within the container and the lid, shines the most excellent jewel of bhakti, more valuable than anything in the three worlds—which brings Śrī Kṛṣṇa under control. Bhakti’s servants consisting of two verses (65 and 66) of sixty-four syllables (jewels) embedded on the lid of the box (last six chapters) should also be understood to be pure.

Baladeva Vidyābhūṣaṇa Gauḍīya
Translation
63. Thus I have explained a scripture more secret than secret knowledge of mantras. Considering this thoroughly, do as you wish to do.
Commentary

The Lord now concludes the scripture. Thus in the manner just spoken (iti), I have declared to you this knowledge (jñānam), the scripture of the Gītā, the means of understanding karma, bhakti and jñāna. Jñāna means “that which something is known.” It is more secret than the scriptures which teach secret mantras. It should be kept secret. After reflecting on this scripture fully (aśeṣena), do as you wish. The intended meaning is “Reviewing this scripture thoroughly, your ignorance will be destroyed and you will be steadfast in My words.”

Bhūrijana Dāsa Gauḍīya
Commentary

Srila Prabhupada says in his Purport: "The Lord has already explained to Arjuna the knowledge of brahma‑bhuta. One who is in the brahma‑bhuta condition is joyful; he never laments, nor does he desire anything. That is due to confidential knowledge. Krsna also discloses knowledge of the Supersoul. This is also Brahman knowledge, knowledge of Brahman, but it is superior. Here the words yathecchasi tatha kuru‑‑``As you like, you may act''‑‑indicate that God does not interfere with the little independence of the living entity. In Bhagavad‑gita, the Lord has explained in all respects how one can elevate his living condition. The best advice imparted to Arjuna is to surr unto the Supersoul seated within his heart. By right discrimination, one should agree to act according to the order of the Supersoul. That will help one become situated constantly in Krsna consciousness, the highest perfectional stage of human life. Arjuna is being directly ordered by the Personality of Godhead to fight. Surrender to the Supreme Personali Godhead is in the best interest of the living entities. It is not for the interest of the Supreme. Before surrendering, o free to deliberate on this subject as far as the intelligence goes; that is the best way to accept the instruction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Such instruction comes also through the spiritual master, the bona fide representative of Krsna." Now Krsna has just explained the most confidential knowledge, which is surrender to the Supersoul. But He will tell a even more confidential knowledge next.

[H. THE MOST CONFIDENTIAL KNOWLEDGE OF ALL: BECOME A PURE DEVOTEE OF KRSNA (18. 64‑66) Always think of Krsna, become Krsna's devotee, worship Krsna, offer all homage unto Krsna, and thus come to Krsna. Surrender only to Krsna; do not fear sinful reactions. ]

Study Notes — Gauranga Priya Dāsa
Gauranga Priya Dāsa Study
Bhakti-śāstrī Notes, ISKCON Chowpatty (2009)
Theme

More confidential knowledge is explained in Texts 18.61 – 18.63

Krishna gives choice to Arjuna – “Deliberate on this fully and do what you wish to do”
Focus of Learning

(a) Importance of words “yathecchasi tatha kuru” – Krishna gives the choice

Indicates that God does not interfere with the little independence of the living entity

(b) Bhagavad-gita explains “How to elevate one’s living condition”

Best advice given to Arjuna in interest of all living entities – Surrender unto the Supersoul in the heart

(c) Best way to accept Lord’s instruction

Before surrendering one is free to deliberate on this subject as far as the intelligence goes
Such instructions also come through the spiritual master

(a) Solution to relief of all miseries and achieving supreme abode – Surrender unto the Supreme

Godhead situated in everyone’s heart

(b) Transcendental world – Ref. Vedic literatures

“Paramam padam” – Specifically refers to the eternal abode / spiritual sky / Vaikuntha

(c) Surrender to Supersoul implies surrender to Krishna

Supporting Ref. Bg. 15.15; Bg. 10.12 – 10.13

(a) This verse points out limited discretion of Arjuna

Arjuna is not the supreme knower
Supreme Personality of Godhead is directing us according to our past deeds
Living entitiy in one body has to work under the spell of modes
Analogy: Person seated in a high speed motor car goes faster than one in a slower car, though the drivers may be the same

(b) Conclusion: Our duty is to surrender because living entity is not independent and always under the

Lord’s control

Classical Ācāryas
Śrī Śaṅkarācārya Classical
Translation
18.63 Te, to you; akhyatam, has been imparted, spoken of; maya, by Me who am the omniscient God; iti, this; jnanam, knowledge; which is guhyataram, more secret; guhyat, than any secret-i.e. it is extremely profound, mystical. Vimrsya, pondering over, contemplating on; etat, this, the Scripture as imparted; asesena, as a whole, and also on all the subjects dealt with; kuru, do; yatha icchasi tatha, as you like. 'Once again, hear what is beng said by Me:'
Śrī Rāmānujācārya Classical
Translation
18.63 Thus, in this manner, has been set forth everything that is to be acired by those aspirants for release - the mystery of mysteries, concerning Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. Reflecting on it fully, do what you wish to do according to your alification - i.e., follow Karma Yoga, or Jnana Yoga or Bhakti Yoga according to your liking. Such is the meaning.
Śrī Abhinavagupta Classical
Translation
18.63 Iti te etc. : The [path of] wisdom has been taught to you. It is a better secret than the secret literature i.e., the last portion of the Vedas (the Upanisads), as it reveals the supreme Non-duality (Advaita-philosophy). Comprehend it fully and then : Deliberate on the purport of it and then. The purport has been, no doubt, elucidated by us by taking-by-horn-method (directly) whenever occasion arose. Yet, a clear reflection of the entire subject matter is shown here. Because it is the choicest one, the mind is never satisfied, when it is being elucidated and listened to. The most secret thing is being determined here. The method by which that is known, you must listen to now - so He says :-
Swami Sivananda Classical
Translation
18.63 Thus has wisdom, more secret than secrecy itself, been declared unto thee by Me; having reflected over it fully, then act as thou wishest.
Commentary

18.63 इति thus? ते to thee? ज्ञानम् wisdom? आख्यातम् has been declared? गुह्यात् than the secret? गुह्यतरम् more secret? मया by Me? विमृश्य reflecting over? एतत् this? अशेषेण fully? यथा as? इच्छसि (thou) wishest? तथा so? कुरु act.Commentary Thus has wisdom? more profound than all secrets? been declared to thee by Me. This teaching is well known as the Gita? the essence of all the Vedas. If anyone follows it and lives in the spirit of this teaching he will certainly attain supreme peace? highest knowledge and immortality. There is no doubt about this. I have revealed the mystery of this secret treasure to thee as thou art dear to Me? O Arjuna.It The teaching declared above. Reflect fully over everything that has been taught to thee.

Swami Gambhīrānanda Classical
Translation
18.63 To you has been imparted by Me this knowledge [Derived in the instrumental sense of 'means of knowledge'; i.e. the scripture Gita.] which is moe secret than any secret. Pondering over this as a whole, do as you like.
Shri Purohit Swami Classical
Translation
18.63 Thus have I revealed to thee the Truth, the Mystery of mysteries. Having thought it over, thou art free to act as thou wilt.
Related values & verses
Related values
Tyaga (Renunciation / Letting Go)Karuna (Kindness / Compassion)Tapas (Austerity / Discipline)Guru Bhakti (Reverence for Teacher)Atma Nigraha (Self-control)Daksya (Resourcefulness / Skill)Maitri (Friendship / Goodwill)
Related verses
BG 15.20 BG 2.7 BG 3.32 SB 11.11.35 SB 11.29.3 SB 11.23.61 CC Madhya 24.191 CC Madhya 22.156 CC Madhya 8.273 Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad 3.2.10Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad 6.22
Study Q&A referencing this verse
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
Thus I have explained to you knowledge more confidential — deliberate fully, then do as you wish.
Practical Applications
  • Honor Kṛṣṇa's respect for your free will.
  • Deliberate fully, don't rush.
  • Act from deliberation, not impulse.
Reflection Questions
  • Where have I rushed past deliberation?
  • What deserves slow reconsideration?
Analogy

A teacher who has given the entire map opens his hand and says, 'Now you walk.' Coercion would corrupt the very freedom the teaching is meant to restore. The traveler must take the next step under his own consent.

📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

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