“Being one with Brahman, serene in the self, he neither grieves nor desires, equal to all beings; he attains supreme devotion to Me.”
Key Teaching: Unity with Brahman leads to supreme devotion to Krishna.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga.
Description:
Krishna explains that one united with Brahman, serene, neither grieving nor desiring, and equal to all beings, attains supreme devotion to Him. This verse, continuing 18.53, addresses Arjuna’s inquiry (2.9, 13.1, 18.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna links Brahman to devotion, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s role, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he emphasizes liberation, Jnana Yoga, as he highlights wisdom, and Bhakti Yoga, as he stresses devotion, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s compassion (1.28–46) aligns with this equanimity, contrasting Duryodhana’s bias (1.3–11). This teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.12) and Bhakti Yoga (12.13), emphasizing devotion. Krishna builds on teachings about Brahman (18.50), linking it to Bhakti.
Philosophically, this verse integrates Jnana and Bhakti Yoga, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on devotion (12.13). Arjuna’s path is clarified by uniting wisdom with devotion. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Bhakti Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on divine love for liberation.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their devotional clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s unity, where equanimity leads to devotion. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to perform duties with divine love, aligning with liberation.
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