Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 5.16

Shloka 5.16

“But for those whose ignorance is destroyed by self-knowledge, their knowledge, like the sun, reveals the Supreme.”
Key Teaching: Self-knowledge destroys ignorance, revealing the Supreme like the sun.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Karma Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that self-knowledge destroys ignorance, illuminating the Supreme like the sun for those who attain it. This verse, continuing 5.15, addresses Arjuna’s doubts (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies knowledge’s role, and Karma Sannyasa Yoga, as he emphasizes illumination, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s ignorance (1.28–46) clouds his duty. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s ignorant ambition (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to seek self-knowledge for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma and Jnana Yoga (2.47, 4.35).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human veil of ignorance, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on knowledge (4.35–38). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to attain illumination. The theme of Karma Sannyasa Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on knowledge revealing truth.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its illuminating clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s darkness, where knowledge reveals divinity. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with self-knowledge, aligning with liberation.