“After many births, the wise surrender to Me, knowing Me as all; such a great soul is very rare.”
Key Teaching: The wise, after many births, surrender to Krishna, knowing him as all.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Vijnana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that after many births, the wise surrender to him, knowing him as all, and such a soul is very rare. This verse, continuing 7.18, addresses Arjuna’s need for ultimate devotion (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies surrender, and Jnana Vijnana Yoga, as he emphasizes rare wisdom, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s wavering resolve (1.28–46) needs divine focus. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s ignorance (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to surrender to Krishna for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 7.18).
Philosophically, this verse addresses the human journey to divine surrender, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on wisdom (7.18). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to know him as all. The theme of Jnana Vijnana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on rare realization.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its rare clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s spiritual journey, where surrender is rare. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with divine surrender, aligning with liberation.
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