Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 7.22

“Endowed with that faith, they obtain desires from that form, but those are granted by Me alone.”
Key Teaching: Krishna grants the desires of devotees worshipping other forms.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Vijnana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that devotees, endowed with faith in other forms, obtain their desires, but these are granted by him alone. This verse, continuing 7.21, addresses Arjuna’s need to understand divine agency (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies divine source, and Jnana Vijnana Yoga, as he emphasizes Krishna’s role, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s doubts (1.28–46) reflect ignorance of divine agency. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s misdirected pursuits (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to recognize Krishna’s role for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 7.21).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human misconception of divine sources, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on his supremacy (7.21). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to see him as the granter. The theme of Jnana Vijnana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on divine agency.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its unifying clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s fulfilled desires, where Krishna is the source. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with divine recognition, aligning with liberation.