“Having attained Me, great souls do not return to rebirth, the abode of misery, but reach the supreme perfection.”
Key Teaching: Attaining Krishna prevents rebirth and grants supreme perfection.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Akshara Brahma Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that great souls who attain him do not return to rebirth, the abode of misery, but achieve supreme perfection. This verse, continuing 8.14, addresses Arjuna’s fear of cyclic existence (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies liberation, and Akshara Brahma Yoga, as he emphasizes eternal attainment, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s fear of loss (1.28–46) reflects concern for rebirth. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s material entrapment (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to seek Krishna for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 8.14). Liberation ends rebirth.
Philosophically, this verse addresses the human fear of cyclic suffering, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on liberation (6.45, 8.14). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to attain perfection. The theme of Akshara Brahma Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on eternal freedom.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its liberating clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s impermanence, where attaining Krishna ensures permanence. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with liberating devotion, aligning with liberation.
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