Bhagavad Gita 8.1 is Chapter 8, Verse 1, in Aksara Brahma Yoga (The Imperishable Brahman). Below are the Sanskrit text, a transliteration, a plain-English translation and an explanation.
arjuna uvāca kiṁ tad brahma kim adhyātmaṁ kiṁ karma puruṣottama adhibhūtaṁ ca kiṁ proktam adhidaivaṁ kim ucyate
"Arjuna said: O Supreme Person, what is Brahman? What is the Self? What is karma? What is called the physical realm? And what is called the divine realm?"
What This Means:
Arjuna asks fundamental questions. He heard these terms in Chapter 7's last verses and wants clarity: What is Brahman (ultimate reality)? Adhyatma (the Self)? Karma? Adhibhuta (physical)? Adhidaiva (divine)?
Going Deeper:
These questions show Arjuna maturing as a student. He's no longer just emotionally upset; he's intellectually engaged. He wants precise definitions, not just inspiring words.
How To Apply This:
Don't be afraid to ask basic questions. 'What exactly do you mean?' is one of the most powerful questions. Clarity of concepts enables clarity of practice.
Key Sanskrit Terms: