Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 18.61

“The Lord dwells in the hearts of all beings, O Arjuna, causing all to act by His Maya, as if mounted on a machine.”
Key Teaching: The Lord, through Maya, drives all beings’ actions.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga.
Description:
Krishna reveals that the Lord resides in all beings’ hearts, causing them to act through His Maya, like puppets on a machine. This verse, continuing 18.60, addresses Arjuna’s inquiry (2.9, 13.1, 18.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna explains divine control, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s role, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he discusses action, Jnana Yoga, as he highlights divine wisdom, and Bhakti Yoga, as he emphasizes the Lord’s presence, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s actions (1.28–46) contrast with Duryodhana’s delusion (1.3–11), reflecting Maya’s influence. This teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.6) and Bhakti Yoga (9.29), emphasizing divine orchestration. Krishna builds on teachings about Maya (7.14), linking it to action.

Philosophically, this verse underscores the divine control of actions, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on Maya (7.14). Arjuna’s path is clarified by recognizing divine agency. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Bhakti Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on divine surrender for liberation.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their divine clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s orchestration, where Maya drives action. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to perform duties with divine awareness, aligning with liberation.