“Those striving for liberation from old age and death, taking refuge in Me, know Brahman, the self, and all action.”
Key Teaching: Devotees seeking liberation know Brahman, self, and action through Krishna.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Vijnana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that those striving for liberation from old age and death, taking refuge in him, know Brahman, the self, and all action. This verse, continuing 7.28, addresses Arjuna’s need for liberation (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies liberation, and Jnana Vijnana Yoga, as he emphasizes comprehensive knowledge, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s fear of death (1.28–46) clouds his duty. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s material pursuits (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to seek liberation for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 7.28). Refuge in Krishna grants knowledge.
Philosophically, this verse addresses the human fear of mortality, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on Brahman (7.28). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to know Brahman and action. The theme of Jnana Vijnana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on liberating knowledge.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its comprehensive clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s mortality, where refuge ensures knowledge. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with liberated awareness, aligning with liberation.
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