Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 5.17

Shloka 5.17

“With intellect and self fixed on That, absorbed in That, established in That, they attain liberation, free from impurities.”
Key Teaching: Absorption in the Supreme through knowledge leads to liberation.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Karma Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that those with intellect and self fixed on the Supreme, absorbed and established in it, attain liberation, free from impurities. This verse, continuing 5.16, addresses Arjuna’s hesitation (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies liberation, and Karma Sannyasa Yoga, as he emphasizes divine focus, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s lack of focus (1.28–46) hinders his duty. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s impure motives (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to fix his intellect on the Supreme for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma and Jnana Yoga (2.47, 4.35).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human need for divine focus, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on liberation (4.35–39). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to attain purity. The theme of Karma Sannyasa Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on liberation through divine absorption.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its liberating clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s distractions, where divine focus ensures freedom. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with divine absorption, aligning with liberation.