“Abandon all duties and take refuge in Me alone; I will free you from all sins, do not grieve.”
Key Teaching: Surrender to Krishna alone frees from all sins.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Bhakti Yoga.
Description:
Krishna instructs Arjuna to abandon all duties and take refuge in Him alone, promising freedom from all sins and urging him not to grieve. This verse, continuing 18.65, 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 liberation, and Bhakti Yoga, as he stresses devotion, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s surrender (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 ultimate surrender. Krishna builds on teachings about refuge (18.65), promising liberation.
Philosophically, this verse is the Gita’s climax, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on Bhakti (9.34). Arjuna’s path is clarified by total surrender to Krishna. The themes of Moksha Sannyasa Yoga and Bhakti Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on divine liberation.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their liberating clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s surrender, where refuge frees from sin. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to perform duties with divine trust, aligning with liberation.
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