Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 18.17

“He whose understanding is pure, who is not egoistic, whose intellect is not affected, even if he slays, does not slay, nor is he bound.”
Key Teaching: A pure, nonegoistic person is unbound by actions, even killing.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga.
Description:
Krishna states that one with pure understanding, free from ego, with unaffected intellect, does not truly slay nor is bound, even if he kills. This verse, continuing 18.16, addresses Arjuna’s quest for understanding (2.9, 13.1, 18.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna explains nondoership, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s duty, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he clarifies liberation, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes wisdom, and Karma Yoga, as he addresses action, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s duty to fight (1.28–46) is affirmed by Krishna’s teaching on nondoership (2.47). This aligns with Karma Yoga (3.27) and Jnana Yoga (13.21), freeing Arjuna from guilt. Krishna builds on teachings about detachment (13.9), emphasizing liberation.

Philosophically, this verse addresses nondoership, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on the self (13.21). Arjuna’s path is clarified by transcending ego. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Jnana Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on liberation through wisdom.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their liberating clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s actions, where purity frees. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to perform duties with divine detachment, aligning with liberation.