Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 4.10

Shloka 4.10

“Freed from attachment, fear, and anger, absorbed in Me, purified by knowledge, many have attained My state.”

Key Teaching: Detachment and devotion to Krishna lead to liberation.

Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Yoga.

Description:
Krishna teaches that those freed from attachment, fear, and anger, absorbed in him and purified by knowledge, attain his divine state. This verse, building on 4.9, addresses Arjuna’s doubts about action (3.1–2). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies the path to liberation, and Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes knowledge and devotion, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s attachment and fear (1.28–46) hinder his Kshatriya duty. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s angerdriven ambition (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to transcend these emotions through devotion to fulfill his duty, aligning with Karma and Jnana Yoga (2.47, 4.9).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human bondage to emotions, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on detachment and devotion (2.62–63). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to attain liberation through divine absorption. The theme of Jnana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on knowledge leading to divine union.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its liberating promise. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s emotional challenges, where devotion and knowledge ensure freedom. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with detachment, aligning with spiritual liberation.