“By devotion he knows Me in truth, what and who I am; then, knowing Me in truth, he forthwith enters into Me.”
Key Teaching: Devotion leads to knowing and merging with Krishna.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga.
Description:
Krishna states that through devotion, one knows Him in truth—what and who He is—and then merges into Him. This verse, continuing 18.54, addresses Arjuna’s inquiry (2.9, 13.1, 18.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna emphasizes devotion, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s role, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he discusses liberation, Jnana Yoga, as he highlights knowledge, and Bhakti Yoga, as he stresses devotion, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s devotion (1.28–46) contrasts with Duryodhana’s ignorance (1.3–11). This teaching aligns with Bhakti Yoga (12.8) and Jnana Yoga (13.12), emphasizing divine knowledge. Krishna builds on teachings about devotion (12.8), linking it to liberation.
Philosophically, this verse highlights Bhakti as the path to knowing and merging with the divine, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on devotion (9.34). Arjuna’s path is clarified by deepening devotion. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Bhakti Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on divine union.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their divine clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s devotion, where knowing Krishna leads to liberation. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to perform duties with divine love, aligning with liberation.
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