“Free from pride and delusion, victorious over attachment, dwelling in the Self, desireless, liberated from pleasure and pain, the undeluded reach that eternal goal.”
Key Teaching: Freedom from pride and attachment leads to the eternal goal.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Dhyana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna states that those free from pride, delusion, and attachment, dwelling in the Self, desireless, and liberated from pleasure and pain, reach the eternal goal. This verse, continuing 15.4, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna describes the liberated, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes wisdom, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he points to liberation, and Dhyana Yoga, as he stresses selfdiscipline, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s struggle (1.28–46) contrasts with this ideal state. The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.9) and Dhyana Yoga (6.14), emphasizing detachment. Krishna builds on the goal of liberation (15.4), detailing its qualities.
Philosophically, the verse outlines the liberated state, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on detachment (6.35). Arjuna’s path is clarified by transcending duality. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Jnana Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on liberation through wisdom.
Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s freedom, where detachment leads to eternity. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to transcend duality, aligning with liberation.
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