Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 18.46

“By worshipping Him from whom all beings arise and by whom all is pervaded, through his own duty, a man attains perfection.”
Key Teaching: Duty performed as worship of the divine leads to perfection.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga.
Description:
Krishna states that by worshipping the divine, from whom all beings arise and who pervades all, through one’s duty, a man attains perfection. This verse, continuing 18.45, addresses Arjuna’s inquiry (2.9, 13.1, 18.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna links duty to worship, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s role, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he discusses perfection, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes wisdom, Karma Yoga, as he underscores duty, and Bhakti Yoga, as he introduces devotion, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s devotion (1.28–46) contrasts with Duryodhana’s ego (1.3–11). This teaching aligns with Karma Yoga (2.47), Jnana Yoga (13.12), and Bhakti Yoga (12.8), emphasizing duty as worship. Krishna builds on teachings about the divine (10.20, 18.41), linking duty to devotion.

Philosophically, this verse integrates Karma, Jnana, and Bhakti Yoga, showing that duty offered to the divine leads to liberation (9.27). Arjuna’s path is clarified by seeing his duty as worship. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Bhakti Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on divine devotion.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their devotional clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s worship, where duty becomes divine. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to perform duties with divine love, aligning with liberation.