Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5, Verse 17 (BG 5.17) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

Through profound study of the scriptures, the seeker becomes unified with the Self in all dimensions of their being. The intellect, having ascertained the nature of the Self, becomes established in that alone, and every sentiment of the mind becomes a hymn of praise to the Divine. Recognizing the infinite bliss-nature as one's own Self, the seeker attains unwavering devotion to it. For such a person, there can be no other supreme goal beyond the Self—which is infinite, indivisible, and immutable. The person who, through scriptural study, attains knowledge of their true Self-nature is freed from the bonds of attachment and aversion. This is the fruit of scriptural study. After study comes the necessity of living in accordance with that knowledge—that is, the practice of that wisdom. Only through study and practice can one become established in one's true nature. The person established in their true nature is not reborn. Why is this so? How can we say that ego will not arise again after knowledge? Through the descriptor "purified by knowledge" applied to the wise, Lord Sri Krishna answers this question. By "impurity" is meant the vasanas—the subtle desires and impressions. From vasanas arises ego. In Vedanta, vasana itself is called ignorance of the Self. When the light of Self-knowledge dawns, opposing ignorance, the darkness of suffering-bringing ignorance is destroyed, and with it, the ego born of that ignorance is also annihilated. Thereafter, ego cannot be reborn, for in the presence of knowledge, ignorance cannot return. Without its cause, how can the effect—ego—arise? In this verse, we behold the most optimistic metaphysics in existence, wherein it is clearly proclaimed that Self-realization is the supreme goal of the soul's evolution. The realization of the ultimate Reality is the final rung of the ladder of development, and it is for this alone that the soul wanders through the self-created bonds of worldly objects. How do the wise ones, whose ignorance has been destroyed by knowledge, perceive the Truth?