“Fixing your mind on Me, you will overcome all difficulties by My grace; but if, through egoism, you do not listen, you will perish.”
Key Teaching: Fixing the mind on Krishna grants grace; egoism leads to ruin.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Bhakti Yoga.
Description:
Krishna promises that fixing the mind on Him allows one to overcome difficulties by His grace, but warns that egoism and refusal to listen lead to ruin. This verse, continuing 18.57, addresses Arjuna’s inquiry (2.9, 13.1, 18.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna warns of ego, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s role, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he discusses liberation, and Bhakti Yoga, as he stresses devotion, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s humility (1.28–46) contrasts with Duryodhana’s ego (1.3–11). This teaching aligns with Bhakti Yoga (9.34) and Karma Yoga (2.47), emphasizing grace over ego. Krishna builds on teachings about surrender (18.57), warning of consequences.
Philosophically, this verse contrasts divine grace with ego, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on devotion (9.29). Arjuna’s path is clarified by avoiding egoism. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Bhakti Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on divine grace for liberation.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their cautionary clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s choice, where grace or ego determines fate. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to perform duties with divine humility, aligning with liberation.
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