Shloka 18.67
Krishna speaks to Arjuna
इदं ते नातपस्काय नाभक्ताय कदाचन |न चाशुश्रूषवे वाच्यं न च मां योऽभ्यसूयति ||१८-६७||
idaṃ te nātapaskāya nābhaktāya kadācana . na cāśuśrūṣave vācyaṃ na ca māṃ yo.abhyasūyati ||18-67||
Meaning
Speak not this to one who has not practised austerities, or to him who does not love, or who will not listen, or who mocks.
Translation: Shri Purohit Swami, The Geeta: The Gospel of the Lord Shri Krishna (1935). Public domain.
Word-by-word meaning
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Explanation
Krishna sets guidelines for sharing this sacred teaching. It is not to be spoken to one devoid of austerity or devotion, nor to one unwilling to listen (ashushrushu), nor to anyone who scoffs and finds fault with the Lord.
This is not elitism but wisdom about readiness. Profound truths offered to a closed, scornful, or unprepared heart are not only wasted but can be distorted or mocked. Sacred knowledge asks for a fitting vessel — some humility, sincerity, and willingness to hear.
The teaching protects both the truth and the unready soul. It reminds us that wisdom must meet receptivity to take root, and that timing and openness matter as much as the message itself.
In daily life
Deep spiritual truth bears fruit only in a heart that is sincere, humble, and willing to listen.
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Quick check
What does ‘न अतपस्काय’ mean in this verse?
Krishna on discernment, in other chapters
- Verse 9.11Do not judge the sacred by its outward appearance; the divine often comes clothed in the humble and ordinary.
- 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 3.29Hold your understanding with patience and compassion — do not tear away another's beliefs before they are ready for deeper truth.
- Verse 4.17Discern not only whether you act, but the quality of the act — the consequences of action run deeper than they appear.
Swipe left for 18.68 · Lovingly sharing spiritual wisdom with sincere seekers is itself a sure path to the Divine.
Questions about Bhagavad Gita 18.67
Who says Bhagavad Gita 18.67, and to whom?
Krishna speaks to Arjuna in verse 18.67, in Chapter 18, Moksha Sannyas Yoga (Moksha Sannyas Yoga).
What does Bhagavad Gita 18.67 mean?
Speak not this to one who has not practised austerities, or to him who does not love, or who will not listen, or who mocks. (Translation: Shri Purohit Swami, The Geeta: The Gospel of the Lord Shri Krishna (1935). Public domain.)
What is the lesson of Bhagavad Gita 18.67 for daily life?
Deep spiritual truth bears fruit only in a heart that is sincere, humble, and willing to listen.
What do the Sanskrit words in Bhagavad Gita 18.67 mean?
इदं ते — this, by thee; न अतपस्काय — not to one without austerity; न अभक्ताय — not to one without devotion; कदाचन — ever / at any time; न च अशुश्रूषवे — nor to one unwilling to listen.
Where does verse 18.67 come in the Bhagavad Gita?
It is verse 67 of 78 in Chapter 18, Moksha Sannyas Yoga. The next verse is 18.68.