Chapter 12 · Bhakti Yoga — The Yoga of DevotionKrishna
Verse 5
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 12, श्लोक 5
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
क्लेशोऽधिकतरस्तेषामव्यक्तासक्तचेतसाम्।
अव्यक्ता हि गतिर्दुःखं देहवद्भिरवाप्यते॥
Transliteration
Klesho'dhikataras-Tesham-Avyakta-Asakta-Chetasam.
Avyakta Hi Gatir-Duhkham Deha-Vadbhir-Avapyate.
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
क्लेशःkleshahdifficulty/trouble
अधिकतरःadhikatarahgreater
तेषाम्teshamfor them
अव्यक्तासक्तचेतसाम्avyakta-asakta-chetasamwhose minds are attached to the unmanifest
अव्यक्ताavyaktaunmanifest
गतिःgatihgoal/path
दुःखम्duhkhamwith difficulty
देहवद्भिःdeha-vadbhihby the embodied
अवाप्यतेavapyateis attained
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
अव्यक्त (निराकार) में आसक्त चित्त वालों को क्लेश (कठिनाई) अधिक होती है; क्योंकि अव्यक्त मार्ग पर चलना देहधारियों के लिए अत्यन्त कठिन है।
English Translation
Greater is the difficulty for those whose minds are attached to the Unmanifest, for the path of the Unmanifest is very hard for embodied beings to attain.
Commentary (टीका)
This is the key verse explaining why personal devotion is recommended. While the formless path is valid, it is extremely difficult (klesha adhikatara) for beings who have bodies. The embodied nature craves form, relationship, and tangible connection. Fighting this natural tendency adds unnecessary suffering to the spiritual journey.