“For I am the basis of Brahman, the immortal, imperishable, and the basis of eternal dharma and absolute bliss.”
Key Teaching: Krishna is the basis of Brahman, eternal dharma, and absolute bliss.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga.
Description:
Krishna declares himself the basis of Brahman, the immortal, imperishable, eternal dharma, and absolute bliss. This verse, concluding Chapter 14, addresses Arjuna’s path to liberation (2.9, 14.21). The themes of guidance, as Krishna reveals his divine nature, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s duty, Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga, as he concludes gunas’ transcendence, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes wisdom, and Bhakti Yoga, as he links to devotion, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s devotion (1.28–46) contrasts with Duryodhana’s ignorance (1.3–11). Krishna’s teaching supports Arjuna’s Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47), Jnana Yoga (13.12), and Bhakti Yoga (12.20), affirming his divinity.
Philosophically, this verse addresses Krishna’s supreme nature, a theme refined with teachings on his universal role (10.20). Arjuna’s understanding is completed by Krishna’s guidance on divinity. The themes of Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on divine liberation.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their divine clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s ultimate truth, where Krishna underlies Brahman. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with divine realization, aligning with liberation.