Chapter 2 – Sankhya Yoga
Verse 46
Sanskrit Verse
yāvān artha udapāne sarvataḥ samplutodake
tāvānsarveṣhu vedeṣhu brāhmaṇasya vijānataḥ
Simple Meaning
O Arjuna!
Just as a small well becomes unnecessary when there is abundant water everywhere, similarly, for a wise person who has realized the truth, the purpose of all the Vedas becomes limited.
Detailed Explanation
The Example of a Well and a Reservoir
Krishna uses a simple and powerful comparison. When water is available everywhere in abundance, a small well loses its importance.
The well is useful only when water is scarce. But when there is a vast source of water, its role becomes minimal.
The Role of the Vedas
The Vedas provide guidance through rituals, duties, and knowledge.
They are essential for guiding a person on the spiritual path.
However, their purpose is to lead one toward higher understanding and realization.
The State of True Knowledge
Krishna explains that when a person attains true wisdom and realizes the ultimate truth, they no longer depend heavily on external teachings.
Such a person directly experiences the reality that the Vedas describe.
The Knower of Truth (Vijānataḥ)
A “vijānataḥ” is one who truly understands and realizes the Self.
For such a realized individual, the teachings of the Vedas have already served their purpose.
They have moved beyond intellectual knowledge into direct experience.
From Knowledge to Realization
Krishna highlights the difference between learning and realization.
The Vedas are like a guide or map.But once the destination is reached, the map is no longer needed in the same way.
Key Points
External knowledge has a purpose – The Vedas guide seekers toward truth.
Realization is the ultimate goal – Direct experience is higher than theoretical knowledge.
Wisdom reduces dependence on rituals – A realized person goes beyond formal practices.
Spiritual maturity brings clarity – True understanding simplifies the path.
Profound Spiritual Meaning
This verse teaches that spiritual texts and practices are important, but they are stepping stones toward a higher goal.
Once a person realizes the Self,they transcend the need for external guidance and experience truth directly.
The deeper message is:
True wisdom is not just knowing—but becoming one with the truth.
Word-by-Word Meaning
Yāvān – As much as
Arthaḥ – Use or purpose
Udapāne – In a well
Sarvataḥ sampluta-udake – When there is water everywhere
Tāvān – That much
Sarveṣu vedeṣu – In all the Vedas
Brāhmaṇasya – Of a wise person
Vijānataḥ – Who has realized the truth
Message of the Shloka
Krishna teaches that once true knowledge is realized,
the need for external guidance becomes limited.
A wise person moves beyond rituals and teachings,
experiencing the ultimate truth directly and living in that realization.
