Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 7.1

Shloka 7.1

“Krishna said: With mind attached to Me, O Arjuna, practicing yoga, taking refuge in Me, hear how you shall know Me fully.”
– *Key Teaching*: Devotion and yoga lead to fully knowing Krishna.
– *Theme*: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Vijnana Yoga.
– * Description*:
Krishna teaches that with a mind attached to him, practicing yoga and taking refuge in him, Arjuna will fully know him. This verse, opening Chapter 7, addresses Arjuna’s need for spiritual clarity (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies divine knowledge, and Jnana Vijnana Yoga, as he emphasizes realization, are central.

In the *Mahabharata*, Arjuna’s confusion (1.28–46) reflects a lack of divine understanding. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s ignorance (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to focus on him for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 6.47).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human quest for divine knowledge, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on devotion (6.47). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to know him fully. The theme of Jnana Vijnana Yoga underscores the *Gita*’s focus on divine realization.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its foundational clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s search for truth, where devotion ensures knowledge. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with divine focus, aligning with liberation.