A declaration · expansive in mood · builds on earlier teachings
“Even the highest attainments return, but union with Krishna does not.”
All worlds up to Brahma's realm return again, Arjuna. But having reached me, O son of Kunti, there is no rebirth.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Hover a word to focus on it.
Read literallyup to the world of Brahma · worlds · returning again · Arjuna · me · having reached · but · son of Kunti · rebirth · not · exists
Even the highest realms are temporary and lead back into rebirth. Only reaching Krishna ends that cycle completely.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Akshara Brahma Yoga" (The Imperishable Absolute).
Verse 16 sits in Chapter 8 of the Bhagavad Gita — Akshara Brahma Yoga, "The Imperishable Absolute". The chapter has 28 verses in total.
You finally get what you wanted, and the relief lasts a week. Then the old restlessness comes back. This verse points to a security that does not wear out.
Did you like this verse?
It shifts the mind from chasing better conditions to seeking what ends the entire cycle of return.
What this verse means
Even the highest realms are temporary and lead back into rebirth. Only reaching Krishna ends that cycle completely.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield at Kurukshetra, Arjuna stands frozen before war. Krishna has already spoken of remembrance and liberation, and now he sharpens the point: even the highest heavens are not final. Only reaching him ends the cycle of return.
Why this verse still matters
You finally get what you wanted, and the relief lasts a week. Then the old restlessness comes back. This verse points to a security that does not wear out.
“There is relief in knowing that the deepest security is beyond every passing world.”
Explore related themes: moksha (34 verses), krishna (31 verses)