Deep truth needs sincere striving.
Krishna speaks to Arjuna
मनुष्याणां सहस्रेषु कश्चिद्यतति सिद्धये |यततामपि सिद्धानां कश्चिन्मां वेत्ति तत्त्वतः ||७-३||
manuṣyāṇāṃ sahasreṣu kaścidyatati siddhaye . yatatāmapi siddhānāṃ kaścinmāṃ vetti tattvataḥ ||7-3||
Use this verse when you need seriousness on the path.
Meaning
Among thousands of people, one may strive for perfection; among those striving and perfected, hardly one knows Me in truth.
Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).
In plain words
Knowing Krishna in truth is rare and precious.
Word-by-word meaning
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Explanation
Krishna reminds seekers that deep realization is rare, so the path requires seriousness, humility, and persistence.
Read the traditional commentary
Krishna offers a sober reckoning of the spiritual path. Of countless people, only a few even feel the pull toward perfection; of those who strive, only a rare one truly knows Him tattvatah — in essence, as He actually is. This is not meant to discourage but to honour the rarity and preciousness of authentic spiritual realisation.
The verse quietly reframes ambition. Most human striving aims at wealth, comfort, or recognition; the seeker who turns toward self-realisation has already stepped out of the crowd. Yet Krishna reminds even the earnest aspirant that knowing Him in truth is subtler still than mere effort can guarantee — it asks for grace, depth, and surrender, not just diligence.
In daily life
Do not treat spiritual depth as casual entertainment.
A person who commits to daily study goes deeper than one who only consumes quotes.
Try this today
Commit to one serious study habit.
I seek Krishna in truth with humility.Reflect
Am I casually browsing wisdom or sincerely seeking truth?
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Quick check
What does ‘यतताम् अपि’ mean in this verse?
Krishna on seeking, in other chapters
- Verse 6.44Even the mere sincere desire to know the spiritual already lifts you above ordinary seeking and carries you onward.
- Verse 11.52The deepest spiritual vision is rare and longed-for even by the gods; receiving it calls for profound gratitude.
- Verse 9.25We grow toward whatever we hold highest in our hearts, so aim your deepest devotion at the very highest.
- Verse 3.4Walking away from your duties does not free you — freedom is found by acting without attachment, not by avoiding action.
Swipe left for 7.4 · Matter and mind are Divine prakriti.
Questions about Bhagavad Gita 7.3
Who says Bhagavad Gita 7.3, and to whom?
Krishna speaks to Arjuna in verse 7.3, in Chapter 7, Jnana Vijnana Yoga (Jnana Vijnana Yoga).
What does Bhagavad Gita 7.3 mean?
Among thousands of people, one may strive for perfection; among those striving and perfected, hardly one knows Me in truth. (Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).)
What is the lesson of Bhagavad Gita 7.3 for daily life?
Do not treat spiritual depth as casual entertainment. A person who commits to daily study goes deeper than one who only consumes quotes.
What do the Sanskrit words in Bhagavad Gita 7.3 mean?
मनुष्याणाम् सहस्रेषु — among thousands of men; कश्चित् — someone (a rare one); यतति — strives; सिद्धये — for perfection; यतताम् अपि — even among those who strive.
Where does verse 7.3 come in the Bhagavad Gita?
It is verse 3 of 30 in Chapter 7, Jnana Vijnana Yoga. The next verse is 7.4.