“No one among men does dearer service to Me, nor will there be one dearer to Me on earth.”
Key Teaching: Teaching the Gita is the dearest service to Krishna.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Bhakti Yoga.
Description:
Krishna declares that no one performs a dearer service to Him than teaching the Gita, nor will anyone be dearer to Him. This verse, continuing 18.68, addresses Arjuna’s inquiry (2.9, 13.1, 18.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna praises teaching, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s role, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he discusses liberation, and Bhakti Yoga, as he emphasizes devotion, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s devotion (1.28–46) aligns with this service, contrasting Duryodhana’s ego (1.3–11). This teaching aligns with Bhakti Yoga (9.34) and Karma Yoga (2.47), elevating teaching as service. Krishna builds on teachings about devotion (18.68), emphasizing its value.
Philosophically, this verse glorifies selfless service, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on Bhakti (9.34). Arjuna’s path is clarified by serving through teaching. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Bhakti Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on divine service.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their loving clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s service, where teaching is dearest. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to perform duties with divine love, aligning with liberation.
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