Bhagavad Gita — Vibhuti Yoga, Shloka 25

Vibhuti Yoga

Devanagari script

महर्षीणां भृगुरहं गिरामस्म्येकमक्षरम् । यज्ञानां जपयज्ञोऽस्मि स्थावराणां हिमालयः ॥ १०.२५ ॥

Transliteration

maharṣīṇāṃ bhṛgur ahaṃ girām asmy ekam akṣaram | yajñānāṃ japa-yajño 'smi sthāvarāṇāṃ himālayaḥ || 10.25 ||

Translation

在诸大圣仙中，我是婆利古（Bhrigu）；在一切言语中，我是唯一的音节——唵（Om）。在诸祭祀中，我是持诵默念之祭（japa）；在一切不动之物中，我是喜马拉雅。

Gita Press Meaning

Among the great sages I am Bhrigu; among words I am the one syllable (Om); among sacrifices I am the sacrifice of silent repetition (japa); among immovable things I am the Himalaya.

Critical Edition Meaning

Among the great seers I am Bhṛgu; among utterances I am the single imperishable syllable; among rites I am the japa-offering; among the immobile I am Himālaya.

Comparative Note

‘ekam akṣaram’ is widely taken as ‘Oṃ,’ though the verse does not explicitly name it. ‘japa-yajña’ elevates interiorized ritual (recitation/meditation) as a legitimate and eminent form of yajña.

Word by Word

• महर्षीणाम्: of the great sages
• Root: महर्षि

• भृगुः: Bhrigu (the sage)
• Root: भृगु

• अहम्: I
• अहम्: Karta
• Root: अहम्

• गिराम्: of speeches/utterances/words
• Root: गिर्

• अस्मि: am
• Root: √अस्

• एकम्: one; single
• एकम्: Karma
• Root: एक

• अक्षरम्: imperishable syllable; the syllable ‘Om’
• अक्षरम्: Karma
• Root: अक्षर

• यज्ञानाम्: of sacrifices
• Root: यज्ञ

• जपयज्ञः: the sacrifice in the form of japa (repetitive sacred recitation)
• Root: जपयज्ञ

• अस्मि: am
• Root: √अस्

• स्थावराणाम्: of immovable things (stationary beings)
• Root: स्थावर

• हिमालयः: the Himalaya (mountain range)
• Root: हिमालय

Speakers

• Krishna

Primary Concepts

• Śabda (sacred sound)
• Japa
• Yajña (ritual as discipline)

Key Themes

• Interiorization of ritual
• Mantra as metaphysical symbol
• Stability and immovability

FAQs

Psychological significance?

It emphasizes practices of focused repetition and sound-symbols to steady attention and cultivate reflective awareness.

Metaphysical meaning?

The ‘imperishable syllable’ functions as a sonic pointer to the absolute; japa is presented as a paradigmatic offering because it unites intention, speech, and mind.

Contextual relevance?

The verse bridges Vedic ritual culture with meditative religiosity, aligning with the Gītā’s broader synthesis.

Modern Application?

Can be applied as a secular-friendly contemplative technique: repetitive attention training (mantra-like practice) for clarity and resilience.