“This should not be spoken by you to one who is without austerity, devotion, or desire to hear, nor to one who speaks ill of Me.”
Key Teaching: The Gita’s wisdom is for the austere and devoted, not critics.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Bhakti Yoga.
Description:
Krishna instructs Arjuna not to share the Gita’s wisdom with those lacking austerity, devotion, or desire to hear, or who speak ill of Him. This verse, continuing 18.66, addresses Arjuna’s inquiry (2.9, 13.1, 18.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna sets conditions, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s role, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he discusses wisdom’s sharing, and Bhakti Yoga, as he emphasizes devotion, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s devotion (1.28–46) contrasts with Duryodhana’s hostility (1.3–11). This teaching aligns with Bhakti Yoga (9.34) and Jnana Yoga (13.12), emphasizing worthy recipients. Krishna builds on teachings about wisdom (18.63), protecting its sanctity.
Philosophically, this verse safeguards sacred knowledge, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on devotion (9.34). Arjuna’s path is clarified by sharing wisdom wisely. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Bhakti Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on divine discretion.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their protective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s wisdom, where sharing requires discernment. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to perform duties with divine discretion, aligning with liberation.
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