Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 2 verse 46
Chapter 2 · Sankhya Yoga

The Reservoir and the Well · Deeper Fulfillment

यावानर्थ उदपाने सर्वतः सम्प्लुतोदके । तावान्सर्वेषु वेदेषु ब्राह्मणस्य विजानतः ।।46।।

yāvān artha udapāne sarvataḥ samplutodake tāvān sarveṣu vedeṣu brāhmaṇasya vijānataḥ

Meaning

"Whatever purpose is served by a small well is served by a vast reservoir of water; similarly, all the purposes of the Vedas are fulfilled in one who knows the Supreme Truth."

Explanation

Krishna uses a simple, memorable image to show that direct realization of truth encompasses all lesser goals.

Today's Life Lesson

Seek today the deeper source that naturally fulfills many smaller needs, rather than chasing each one separately.

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