Royal Knowledge and Royal Secret - 09 - 02

The Shloka

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राजविद्या राजगुह्यं पवित्रमिदमुत्तमम् ।

प्रत्यक्षावगमं धर्म्यं सुसुखं कर्तुमव्ययम् ॥

———

rājavidyā rājaguhyaṁ pavitramidamuttamam ।

pratyakṣāvagamaṁ dharmyaṁ susukhaṁ kartumavyayam ॥

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Meaning / Summary

This verse highlights the profound importance and unique characteristics of the spiritual knowledge (especially Bhakti Yoga or devotional service) that the Bhagavad Gita presents. It emphasizes that this knowledge is not just another philosophical system but the highest wisdom, capable of purifying the individual and leading to eternal bliss. Its experiential nature (‘pratyakṣāvagamaṁ’) makes it practical and verifiable, while its ease of practice (‘susukhaṁ kartum’) makes it accessible to all sincere seekers, regardless of their background or current state. The imperishable nature of its results (‘avyayam’) assures the practitioner of lasting spiritual benefit, unlike temporary material gains. It sets the stage for Krishna to reveal the specific aspects of this ‘rāja-vidyā’ and ‘rāja-guhyam’ in the subsequent verses of the ninth chapter.

This knowledge is the king of sciences, the king of secrets, the supreme purifier. It is directly perceivable, in accordance with righteousness, very easy to perform, and everlasting.

In this shloka, Lord Krishna describes the spiritual knowledge He is imparting as the most supreme among all forms of knowledge and the greatest secret. He states that this knowledge is supremely purifying, can be directly experienced and verified, aligns perfectly with righteousness, is joyful and easy to practice, and its benefits are eternal and imperishable.

This verse extols the virtues of the knowledge of the Supreme Being (Brahman or Ishvara) and the process of devotional service (Bhakti Yoga) which Krishna is about to reveal. It is called ‘rājavidyā’ (the sovereign science) because it is the greatest among all forms of knowledge, dealing with the ultimate truth of existence. It is ‘rājaguhyam’ (the sovereign secret) because it reveals profound spiritual truths that are not easily understood by ordinary minds and are often kept confidential, yet it is also the most potent secret for liberation. It is ‘pavitram uttamam’ (the supreme purifier) because it cleanses the heart of all material contaminations and elevates one to a transcendental state of spiritual clarity. The knowledge is ‘pratyakṣāvagamaṁ’ (directly perceivable), meaning its results are not mere theoretical beliefs but can be experienced and verified personally by the practitioner, making it a tangible spiritual path. It is ‘dharmyaṁ’ (in accordance with righteousness) as it aligns with the eternal principles of dharma and leads to a morally and spiritually upright life that supports cosmic order. Furthermore, it is ‘susukhaṁ kartum’ (very easy to perform joyfully), implying that the path of devotion is not arduous but brings great joy and inner peace to the devotee, making the spiritual journey pleasant. Finally, it is ‘avyayam’ (imperishable or eternal) because the spiritual benefits and liberation attained through this knowledge are lasting and not subject to decay or loss, unlike any temporary material achievements.

Sentence - 1

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राजविद्या राजगुह्यं पवित्रमिदमुत्तमम् ।

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Meaning

This knowledge is the king of sciences, the king of secrets, the supreme purifier.

Meaning of Words

राजविद्या	rājavidyā
king of knowledge, sovereign science This refers to the most superior or supreme knowledge, the kind of understanding that rules over all other forms of learning. It is not just any knowledge, but the highest wisdom concerning the ultimate reality or the Supreme Being. ‘Rāja’ means king, signifying its supremacy, and ‘Vidyā’ means knowledge.
राजगुह्यं	rājaguhyaṁ
king of secrets, sovereign mystery This implies that it is the most profound and confidential secret, often not easily discernible or known only to a select few who are spiritually prepared to receive it. It holds immense hidden value and deep spiritual significance.
पवित्रम्	pavitram
pure, sacred, purifying This knowledge has the power to cleanse one from all impurities, both physical and mental. It purifies the mind, intellect, and soul, leading to a state of spiritual clarity and liberation from material contamination.
इदम्	idam	this
उत्तमम्	uttamam
supreme, excellent, highest It signifies that this knowledge is of the highest quality and stands above all other forms of knowledge or spiritual practice due to its profound nature and transformative power.

Sentence - 2

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प्रत्यक्षावगमं धर्म्यं सुसुखं कर्तुमव्ययम् ॥

———

Meaning

It is directly perceivable, in accordance with righteousness, very easy to perform, and everlasting.

Meaning of Words

प्रत्यक्षावगमं	pratyakṣāvagamaṁ
directly perceivable, understandable through direct experience This knowledge is not merely theoretical or based on blind faith; its truths and benefits can be realized and verified by oneself through direct spiritual experience and practice. It is empirically verifiable in a spiritual sense.
धर्म्यं	dharmyaṁ
righteous, in accordance with dharma, virtuous It means that this knowledge and its practice align perfectly with the principles of righteousness, ethical conduct, and cosmic order (Dharma). It leads one to live a life that is morally sound, spiritually beneficial, and in harmony with universal laws.
सुसुखं	susukhaṁ
very easy to perform, very pleasant, joyful Unlike some rigorous spiritual paths that might involve severe austerities or difficult practices, this path is described as joyful and easy to undertake for those who are sincerely devoted. It brings inner contentment, happiness, and does not demand extreme discomfort.
कर्तुम्	kartum	to do, to perform, to practice
अव्ययम्	avyayam
imperishable, everlasting, eternal The results or benefits gained from this knowledge are permanent and do not diminish with time or circumstances. It bestows an eternal spiritual benefit, meaning the liberation and joy attained are not temporary but last forever.

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