Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 18.57

“Consciously renouncing all actions in Me, with mind fixed on Me, taking refuge in the yoga of discrimination, ever think of Me.”
Key Teaching: Renounce actions to Krishna, fixing the mind on Him through discrimination.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga.
Description:
Krishna instructs to renounce all actions to Him, fix the mind on Him, take refuge in the yoga of discrimination, and always think of Him. This verse, continuing 18.56, addresses Arjuna’s inquiry (2.9, 13.1, 18.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna emphasizes surrender, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s role, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he discusses renunciation, Jnana Yoga, as he highlights discrimination, and Bhakti Yoga, as he stresses devotion, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s devotion (1.28–46) aligns with this surrender, contrasting Duryodhana’s ego (1.3–11). This teaching aligns with Bhakti Yoga (9.34) and Jnana Yoga (13.9), emphasizing surrender. Krishna builds on teachings about renunciation (18.56), linking it to devotion.

Philosophically, this verse integrates Jnana and Bhakti Yoga, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on surrender (9.34). Arjuna’s path is clarified by renouncing actions with discrimination. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Bhakti Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on divine surrender.

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