True wisdom is supported by revelation, sages, and reason.
Krishna speaks to Arjuna
ऋषिभिर्बहुधा गीतं छन्दोभिर्विविधैः पृथक् |ब्रह्मसूत्रपदैश्चैव हेतुमद्भिर्विनिश्चितैः ||१३-५||
ṛṣibhirbahudhā gītaṃ chandobhirvividhaiḥ pṛthak . brahmasūtrapadaiścaiva hetumadbhirviniścitaiḥ ||13-5||
Use this verse to introduce deeper scriptural study.
Meaning
This has been sung in many ways by sages, in various Vedic hymns, and in well-reasoned, decisive statements of the Brahma Sutras.
Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).
In plain words
Krishna connects this teaching with the wider wisdom tradition.
Word-by-word meaning
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Explanation
The Gita is not isolated. Krishna says this knowledge is supported by sages, Vedic hymns, and reasoned philosophical texts. This builds confidence and shows that spiritual inquiry can be devotional and rational.
Read the traditional commentary
Krishna grounds his teaching in a venerable lineage. The truth of the field and its knower has been celebrated by the rishis in countless hymns, in the diverse metres (chandas) of the Vedas, and articulated in the reasoned aphorisms about Brahman — the brahma-sutra-padas. He emphasises that these utterances are hetumadbhih (logically reasoned) and viniscitaih (firmly established), not idle speculation.
This verse honours both revelation and reason. Spiritual knowledge in the Indian tradition is not asserted dogmatically; it is sung by inspired seers, refined through debate, and settled by careful inference. By appealing to this rich heritage, Krishna assures Arjuna that what he is about to hear is corroborated across the wisdom of ages.
For us, it is a reminder that authentic insight stands the test of both intuition and clear thinking, and that we walk a path many awakened ones have already mapped.
In daily life
Respect tradition while also using thoughtful inquiry.
A person can study a verse devotionally and also explore its philosophical reasoning.
Try this today
After reading one verse, write both devotional and rational insights.
I honor wisdom with faith and reason.Reflect
Do I balance faith and reasoning in my study?
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Quick check
What does ‘विनिश्चितैः’ mean in this verse?
The Gita on tradition, in other chapters
- Verse 4.1The deepest truths are not invented in isolation; they are received from a living lineage and kept alive by being lived.
- Verse 2.42Do not be satisfied with beautiful spiritual language that does not challenge and transform your actual way of living — truth is always more demanding than its ornate descriptions.
- Verse 10.13 · ArjunaConviction grows firm when scripture, teacher, and personal experience all point to the same truth.
- Verse 5.5Knowledge and selfless action are two doors to one room — seeing their unity is itself true insight.
Swipe left for 13.6 · The body-mind system is made of many observable parts.
Questions about Bhagavad Gita 13.5
Who says Bhagavad Gita 13.5, and to whom?
Krishna speaks to Arjuna in verse 13.5, in Chapter 13, Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga (Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga).
What does Bhagavad Gita 13.5 mean?
This has been sung in many ways by sages, in various Vedic hymns, and in well-reasoned, decisive statements of the Brahma Sutras. (Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).)
What is the lesson of Bhagavad Gita 13.5 for daily life?
Respect tradition while also using thoughtful inquiry. A person can study a verse devotionally and also explore its philosophical reasoning.
What do the Sanskrit words in Bhagavad Gita 13.5 mean?
ऋषिभिः — by the sages; बहुधा गीतम् — sung in many ways; छन्दोभिः विविधैः पृथक् — in various distinct hymns and metres; ब्रह्मसूत्रपदैः च एव — and in the aphoristic words about Brahman; हेतुमद्भिः — full of reasoning.
Where does verse 13.5 come in the Bhagavad Gita?
It is verse 5 of 35 in Chapter 13, Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga. The next verse is 13.6.