Śrīmad bhagavad gītā | Moksha–Sanyasa yoga ~ Sarga 18 of 18

The preceding chapters 16 and 17 elaborated the following subjects by Lord Krishna: 1) The only means of achieving the four purusarthas or goals of human existence which are kama or pleasure, artha or wealth, dharma or righteousness and moksa or liberation from material existence which is the quintessence of them all is to adhere to and follow the ordinances and injunctions of the Vedic scriptures by the performance of yagna or ritualistic propitiation and worship to the Supreme Lord Krishna, tapah or austerities and penance authorised in the Vedic scriptures and danam or charity to the Vaisnava Brahmins from one of the four bonafide sampradayas as revealed in Vedic scriptures. 2) That all Vedic rituals and observances are always predicated first with the pranava OM the transcendental sound vibration of the Supreme Lord denoting the first breath making this reverberating hum which the Sanskrit root is pranu. 3) The distinction of that representing the brahman or spiritual substratum pervading all existence and leading to moksa is symbolised by TAT and that representing prakriti or the material substratum pervading physical existence confering kama, artha and dharma is symbolised by SAT. 4) That yagna or ritualistic propitiation and worship performed for the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord when devoid of any desires for rewards becomes successful 5) That those initiated Vaisnava brahmanas performing yagnas achieved their ordainment as a result of the prominence of sattva guna or mode of goodness permeating their character enhanced by the sole intake of only sattvic foods.

In this final chapter Lord Krishna concisely delineates the following subject matters: 1) Sannyasa the renunciation of action and tyaja the renunciation of actions rewards 2) The exact nature and mood of tyaja. 3) The comprehension that the Supreme Lord Krishna is the repository and agency of everything. 4) A description of the effects of the three gunas or modes of material nature illustrating that sattva guna alone leads to moksa or liberation from material existence and is thus the only guna worthy of cultivation. 5) How activities appropriated in the varnas or four caste system indicates the natural propensities of a jiva or embodied being based on karma or reactions to past actions are actually authorised acts of worship to the Supreme Lord accomplishing His attainment. 6) The quintessential conclusion of the divine discourse Srimad Bhagavad- Gita is that bhakti or exclusive loving devotion to the Supreme Lord Krishna or any of His authorised incarnations and expansions as revealed in Vedic scriptures is the paramount goal of all existence.

The question enquired about is the distinct difference between sannyasa and tyaja as well as their similarities. Both are subtle not easy to understand. Both are situated in renunciation and both lead to moksa. Literally sannyasa means putting away and literally tyaja means giving up. Sannyasa expresses abandonment of desires for actions and tyaja exhibits the abandonment for the rewards of actions. The Mundaka Upanisad III.II.VI beginning veda ta vijnano sunisch means: Those of restrained senses who lead a life of renunciation with Vedic knowledge achieve liberation. Not by action, not by wealth, not by progeny can this be achieved. Those enlightened jivas who have ascertained what is the essence of the Vedic scriptures and assimilating it within their hearts by renunciation dissolve all their karmas and achieve moksa and the final beatitude. In order to illustrate the nature of both sannyasa and tyaja and prove that they are one and the same Lord Krishna first corrects the misapprehension that they are different.

Some learned philosophers contend that sannyasa or renunciation is the abstention from performing activities for rewards. Other sophisticated sages assert that in sections of the Vedic scriptures pertaining to moksa or liberation from material existence that tyaja or renunciation means abandoning the rewards attached to Vedic activities whether they are namittika or regular duties or kamya or specific activities prescribed for specific results. The contention here is the predominance of one or the other points of view when in contradiction. Is sannyasa or abandonment of the activities for rewards alone sufficient or is tyaja the abandonment of desires for rewards the essential attribute to be embraced? Both appear to be plausible and both are situated in renunciation and both may be used synonymously and considered as renunciation. More clarity concerning this topic is presented by Lord Krishna in verses four, seven and twelve.

Kapila Muni the founder of the Sankhya philosophy which is based on analytical reason declares that since even prescribed Vedic activities have an aroma of desire for rewards attached to them and the resultant reactions keep one enslaved in samsara the perpetual cycle of birth and death in material existence. So even prescribed Vedic activities are fit to be abandoned by those aspirants striving for moksa or liberation from material existence. But those of the Mimamsaka philosophy who adhere to rationalistic thinking in interpreting the conclusions of the Vedic scriptures maintain that prescribed Vedic duties are not to be abandoned only the desires for rewards from such duties are in fact to be renounced.

It is logically explained that even in the performance of prescribed Vedic activities and obligatory duties one can exercise tyaja or renunciation in its threefold composite. Abandonment of these is not required. First is the lowest stage likened unto tama guna the mode of ignorance whereby in renunciation one performs activities as a matter of duty or a matter of righteousness without desire for rewards. This can be done by abandoning desires for material benefits or heavenly delights. Second is the intermediate stage likened unto raja guna the mode of passion whereby renunciation of activities abandons the identifying ego sense attached to it. Relinquishing such mentalities as this work was accomplished by me, I did it, this is mine and the rewards are mine. Thirdly is likened unto sattva guna the mode of goodness and is renunciation whereby one surrenders all rewards and results unto the Supreme Lord Krishna or any of His authorised incarnations and expansions as revealed in Vedic scriptures. One should be cognizant that He is the supreme absolute truth, the supreme controller and the ultimate reality and not think that we are the controllers in any way.

Lord Krishna emphasises that never under any circumstances are prescribed Vedic activities such as yagna or ritualistic propitiation and worship, tapah or penance and austerities and danam or charity to the Vaisnavas and brahmanas ever to be abdicated. They must be continuously performed all through the life some daily and others occasionally up until the moment of death. The reason for this is that prescribed Vedic activities situated purely in sattva guna or mode of goodness duly purify the performer and all involved especially those in varna asrama or the natural four divisions of society which are Vaisnava and Brahmin the spiritual class, ksatriya or royal and warrior class, vaisya or agricultural and commerce class and sudra the worker class. They also upgrade the general consciousness of the world in general. The performance of prescribed Vedic activities dissolves all impurities and eradicates the karmas or reactions to actions from past activities. The word manisinam means the wise, the conscientious, those whose consciousness is evolved in a spiritual sense. Such aspirants reflecting upon spiritual attainment throughout their lives are naturally in communion with the Supreme Lord at the moment of death.

Due to the fact that the performance of prescribed Vedic activities are sanctifying, purifying and lead to bhakti or exclusive loving devotion to the Supreme Lord Krishna or any of His authorised incarnations and expansions as revealed in Vedic scriptures. They should be performed daily and during special occasions throughout the whole life until the moment of death as a matter of joy or a matter of duty without desiring any reward and without any sense of ego involved. This is the final and best conclusion.

Prescribed Vedic activities are niyata or eternal. Some are daily duties such as chanting mantras or sacred incantations for the benefit of all creation at the three junctures of the day. Some are occasional duties such as fasting from all grains twice a month on ekadasi which is the 11th day of the waxing and waning moon. Still other prescribed Vedic activities such as a Vishnu yagna which is ritualistic propitiation and worship of the Supreme Lord are performed during extraordinary celebrations such as the installation of the vigraha or authorised deity form of the Supreme Lord Krishna or any of His authorised incarnations and expansions as revealed in Vedic scriptures. Ceasing to performed such sanctifying and purifying Vedic activities which benefit all creation would be unrighteous and cause unimaginable degradation to humanity specifically and evolution in general. Lord Krishna already confirmed in chapter three, verse 8: That bodily sustenance cannot even be maintained without appropriate actions otherwise it is not possible. . Even if one is able to assimilate bodily sustenance from sunshine or by air alone as some elevated yogis do that is still performing action.

Food not first consecrated unto the Supreme Lord is considered sinful and such food produces delusion and bewilderment in thinking. It is confirmed in Chandogya Upanisad VI.V.IV beginning anna mayam hi somya mana states: The mind is verily composed from food. The purifying vestiges of sanctified food ingested after the performance of the holy yagna is capable of imparting sacred knowledge conducive to atma tattva or soul realisation. Cognition of the Supreme Lord and communion with Him is dependent upon internal and external purity which are mandatory pre-requisites. Purified food purifies the mind, a purified mind has the ability to access the esoteric spiritual reality that assures moksa or liberation from material existence. So the reality is that prescribed Vedic activities and obligatory duties are to be performed all throughout one’s life even up to the last day of departing the present existence as they guarantee one is able to fulfil the goals of human existence. So abstinence from performing them is not in one’s best interest. Those that desist, ignore, disregard and blaspheme are influenced by illusion and are locked in tama guna the mode of ignorance. For it has been traced by the enlightened that the idea of abstinence of prescribed Vedic activities was induced by tama guna and governed by illusion. Ignorance is that which is hostile to wisdom and exists as perverted knowledge. So abstaining from prescribed Vedic activities is in the category of perverted knowledge. Lord Krishna will illustrate this futher in verse 32.

Undoubtedly prescribed Vedic activities are conducive to achieving moksa or liberation form material existence but as they also include penance and austerities they may cause discomfort, difficulty and even pain to accomplish. Sometimes fasting is required putting the physical body under duress causing fatigue which is agonising to the mind. Dreading such inconvenience one may limit themselves solely to the practice of astanga yoga with its numerous exercises, or pranayama maintaining strict breath control or sit for long hours in meditation to achieve moksa. All of these activities may have merit but if they keep one refraining from performing prescribed Vedic activities and obligatory duties then such abstention is known to be contrary to the conclusions of the Vedic scriptures and is situated in raja guna the mode of passion. The benefits that one thinks they are gaining by abstaining from prescribed Vedic activities to perform other works are factually never accrued. It is just a figment of the imagination like a mirage for without supplicating everything to the Supreme Lord Krishna through the medium of the bonfide spiritual master in disciplic succession it is not possible to receive His grace. This topic will be addressed further in verse 32.

It should be understood and clearly comprehended that all prescribed Vedic activities both nitya or eternal and naimittika or occasional are obligatory duties for aspirants seeking moksa or liberation from material existence and communion with the Supreme Lord. These prescribed activities devolve into the specific duties varna and asrama or the stage and class one is situated in. This may be initiated by birth but it is established inherently and qualified by deeds. Actual renunciation is performing such prescribed Vedic activities free from egoism, without any attachment or desire for any rewards. This is real renunciation and is situated in sattva guna the mode of goodness where the source of spiritual realisation commences; properly situated in correct knowledge, untainted by delusion and free from illusion. This theme will appear again in verse 30.

The aspirant who renounces both the desire for rewards as well as any ego- sense as the doer is fully in sattva guna the mode of goodness. Situated in correct knowledge and hence free from all doubts such a one is neither besieged by unrighteous acts nor relieved from righteous acts. Righteous acts are those that bestow positive reactions such as progeny, cows, entry into the heavenly planets, etc. An unrighteous act is that which one may accidentally or unintentionally commit that will accrue negative reactions such as misery, pain, entry to the hellish planets, etc. It should not be misconstrued that final emancipation applies to anyone who deliberately engages in unrighteous activities for the Katha Upanisad I,II.XXIV beginning na virato duscharitanna shanto states: One who has not desisted from evil unrighteous actions or who is of unrestrained mind can never achieve final emancipation even if one is a paragon of intellect and knowledge.

In as much as the ego-sense is absent there is no impetus to exhibit aversion or attraction for either one or the other and since all other goals have been relinquished and resigned with the exception of moksa or final emancipation from material existence and communion with the Supreme Lord Krishna or any of His authorised incarnations as revealed in Vedic scriptures then one is truly established in ultimate renunciation. Thus the conclusion is that relinquishing all ego-sense of authorship and abandoning any desire for rewards is actual renunciation and not mere abstention from actions.

It should be clearly understood that whether confined to a physical body or a subtle body it is virtually impossible to entirely give up all action completely. In the physical body the heart is beating, the lungs are breathing, water must be drunk, some form of nourishment must be ingested. If it is a subtle body then sunshine must be absorbed or prana or energy must be assimilated. These things are indispensable for life in a physical or subtle body. Thus while residing in a physical body the observance of prescribed Vedic activities are essential and must be performed. It is the renouncing of desires for the rewards of actions that is factual renunciation and not the mere abandoning of activities. Such renunciation also includes idea of authorship and the bane of attachment. It may be argued that prescribed Vedic activities have rewards automatically associated with them such as entry to Svarga the heavenly planets so by such inseparable relationships they are clear incentives. This is also applicable to the merits accrued from nitya or daily duties and naimittika or occasional duties as well. These actions can be compared to planting a mango tree and the fruits can be considered the rewards thereof. But motivation for the rewards of actions opposed to bhakti or exclusive loving devotion to Lord Krishna and is inimical to moksa or liberation from material existence. Verily this is true. So all rewards whether or not desirable or undesirable must be renounced as only activities performed without motive and hankering for rewards are to be enacted and this is actual renunciation.

There are three types of rewards that a jiva or embodied being accepts after death as a result of actions. They are anistam or hellish rewards in naraka the hellish planets, istam or godly rewards in svarga the heavenly realms and misram or human rewards in the material worlds. These results only bind those who have not renounced the desire for rewards for their actions expecting renumeration. The three types of renunciation to be abandoned are: the rewards of the actions, the attachment to the actions for the reward and the sense of authorship as the doer. If these three are relinquished then there is no bondage to any action. The word preyta means after death when in the next life the appropriate rewards will be reaped but it does not preclude that some results cannot be experienced even before death such as having a son or being exposed and that as such renunciation may still be applied even while receiving the results in life. But the emphasis is on renouncing the desires to receive rewards for one’s actions. Anyway even if there is some desire for rewards one should never under any circumstances peform any activity inimical to the Vedic scriptures, the Supreme Lord Krishna or His devotees the Vaisnavas.

It is undeniably true that prescribed Vedic activities are obligatory for everyone according to varnasrama or rank and status in life. This is confirmed by the fact that one is born automatically in a certain family, in a certain society, country, continent, planet, etc. based on the hankering for rewards in the previous life by which karma or reactions to actions were incurred awarding the results of one’s past life activities. Yet the very same prescribed activities performed without desire for rewards bestows completely different results. This is known as known as viniyogah prithaktva nyaya and is the justification of dispensation by appropriate application. The aspirant for moksa or liberation from material existence who does not desire any rewards is awarded something different then the furtive hankerer. As declared previously, by study of the Vedic scriptures, by yagna or ritual propitiation and worship, by tapah or austerities and by danam or charity the Vaisnava Brahmins seek to commune with the Supreme Lord. Hence the sannyasa or renunciation that is revealed in the Vedic scriptures is non-different from tyaja the renunciation of the desire for rewards, both which include absence of authorship and ego sense and no attachment. In this way prescribed Vedic activities and obligatory activities can be performed without reactions proving the reality that the cessation of all activity is not necessary neither is it feasible or even practical.

The manner of divesting from oneself conceptions of authorship thinking of oneself as the doer is to be situated in sattva guna the mode of goodness and assign authorship of all actions which conform to Vedic scriptures over to the Supreme Lord. From this correct determination arises the feeling of selflessness while performing actions and an absence of desire in actions performed. The Supreme Lord controls everything external through His agency of prakriti or the material substratum pervading physical existence and its triplicate agency of the three gunas or modes of material nature which impels all jivas or embodied beings to follow the impulses of the pranas or life airs and the natural propensities of the body they inhabit based upon karma or reactions to actions due to desire for rewards in previous lifetimes. Hence even the gratification of the senses such as appeasing one’s appetites and all activities which natures demands necessitates all belong to the Supreme Lord and not the individual. Surrendering all actions solely unto the Supreme Lord is the understanding aspirants are imbued with.

The actions enacted by mind, speech and body which are righteous and meritorious are those that are sanctioned by the Vedic scriptures. Those actions which are unrighteous and unmeritorious are those that are prohibited and those not prescribed in the Vedic scriptures.

In all actions of any nature whether pertaining to mind, speech or body the following are the five-fold cause. 1) Adhistathanam the physical body comprising the five elements of material creation. 2) Karta the jiva or embodied being endowed with the properties of intelligence and action giving the ability to think and act accordingly. 3) Karanam are the various organs such as eyes, ears etc. along with those of locomotion such as feet, hands, etc. endowed with functions of combining to produce actions. 4) Pranas is the vital airs which in the form of automatically breathing sustains life 5) Paramatma the Supreme Soul exists simultaneously within all jives as the witness and monitor and includes the atma or individual immortal soul.

That the jivas ability to perform activities is dependent upon paramatma but not influenced by Him is confirmed in Vedanta Sutra II.III.XXXX beginning krita prayatnapek shastu vihita prati siddha meaning: The Supreme Lord impels the jivas according to their nature and tendencies from previous activities and does not interfere in the freewill or invalidate the injunctions or ordinances of the Vedic scriptures in any way.

It might be speculated with an objection that if the jiva performance of action is dependent upon and is a consequence of paramatma then there is no need to be concerned about karma or reactions from actions. But this is an erroneous conception and not harmonious with the injunctions and interdictions of the Vedic scriptures. Paramatma grants the jiva a physical body and its organs to function by the powers inherent in them. All jives are empowered by and dependent upon paramatma without exception. The jivas thus equipped to function are factually dependent upon paramatma although they have been bequeathed freewill which is above instinctual animal behaviour and if they choose to utilise it they have the ability to determine and choose their actions and execute the appropriate effort for such to manifest. Internally within the etheric heart paramatma unbeknownst to the jiva is monitoring all thoughts and actions, sanctioning them silently by not interfering in the freewill of any jiva. The jiva in this sense is the secondary doer because of freewill and thus is subject to the mandatory results of karma or reactions to actions. Just as a heavy boulder requires the combined efforts of many people to move it yet the person for whom it is effected for derives the benefit or detriment of its removable. In the same manner the effort to accomplish an action although comprised of different elements, bestows the positive or negative results to the jiva who enacted the effort.

So because verily the jiva or embodied being is subject to the sanction of paramatma the Supreme Soul, one should never consider themselves as independent nor think of themselves as the doer of anything. Lord Krishna states that one who erroneously does so will be durmati one whose intelligence is perverted and deluded and thus bewildered is oblivious that other elements are the essential factors in manifesting all activities.

The word ahankarah means the ego and refers to one who thinks themselves the doer of actions. It is an erroneous figment of the mind that illusorily attaches itself to one’s own self the conviction that: I myself am doing such and such action. This false notion arises out of identification with the false ego and infatuation to a bodily conception. Such notion and conceptions are completely absent in those of spiritual intelligence who have surrendered themselves to the Supreme Lord. The words na lipyate means not attached to the rewards of actions. Since one of spiritual intelligence understands that they are never independent they realise that the rewards from their actions is not of their concern. Hence they do not consider themselves the doer and are solely dependent upon the Supreme Lord. Whose intelligence has been refined in this manner is known to be purified and untainted. The inference is that although one may perform innumerable activities they perform them not because they are bereft of considering themselves the doer they are not subject to be a recipient to receive the consequent merits or demerits resulting from any action. This highly evolved consciousness of being fully dependent upon the Supreme Lord and never considering oneself as the doer of any action arises out of a jiva or embodied being prevalence of sattva guna the mode of goodness. Therefore it is a virtuous trait and worthy of acquisition to be cultured and implemented. Next the differentiation of actions resulting from interaction and influences of the three gunas or modes of material nature will be examined by Lord Krishna in detail to illustrate from where the inducement and incentive to perform actions arises.

The threefold activities that are the motivating force of all actions are itemised now. 1) Jnanam means knowledge of the activity. 2) Jneyam means knowing how the activity is to be accomplished. 3) Parijnata means the knower who performs the activity. These three activities are prerequisite and are the impetus which impels one to perform prescribed Vedic activities for the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord Krishna. Contrarily they are also the impetus to enact mundane activities for personal gratification. Among these three activities jneyam is comprised of three subdivisions and explained in context of the Vedas are: 1) karanam how the activity becomes reality such as by donations of wealth or materials. 2) karma or engagement in the act itself such as yagna or ritualistic propitiation. 3) karta the agent who performs the action or initiates the action to be performed.

Knowledge is understanding the action to be performed. The effort is the means and method to perform the action and included with the agent as the performer of the action. The phrase guna-sankhya refers to the Sankhya philosophy of analytical deduction by Lord Krishna’s incarnation of Kapila- deva, which describes the characteristics of the three gunas or modes of material nature and their relationship to knowledge and agent as described in the next three verses.

In varna-asrama or the divisions of society the Brahmins comprise the spiritual heiarchy, the ksatriyas the royal and warrior class, the vaisyas the farmer and mercantile class and the sudra the worker class serving the previous three. The other four divisions are brahmacari or celibate student life, grihasta or married householder life, vanaprastha or separation from wife and family and sannyasa or complete renunciation from society and exclusive devotion to the Supreme Lord Krishna or any of His authorised incarnations as revealed in Vedic scriptures. There are all variances in appearance within these eight divisions such as tall, strong, attractive, delicate, etc. Yet one who sees the one undivided, spiritual reality of the atma or immortal souls existing equally within all jivas or embodied beings and perceives that they are all inconceivably indivisible although manifesting individually sharing collectively in eternality is firmly situated in sattva guna the mode of goodness. One who sees the atma as indestructible and unchangeable within the destructible and changeable physical body and who although performing variegated prescribed activities in any capacity has comprehended that they are not the actual doer and also have no interest in the rewards of actions is situated in sattva guna.

The word prthaktvena means separate individuality alluding to differences in appearance between jivas or embodied beings. The words nana-bhavan refers to plurality of substance in falsely surmising that the atma varies in quality or quantity with the variance of the physical body inhabited by the jiva or to wrongly conclude that the atma varies in size and potency according to the body it is in. This mentality is indicative of those situated in raja guna the mode of passion and includes those desirous of receiving rewards for their actions.

One who clings to a single activity in a stagnant and obstinate manner such as the worship of an impersonal conception of God and considers that such an insignificant activity has the highest perfection in existence to the exclusion of all other possibilities and not considering any other conception as tenable and in stagnation ceases to develop and grow is the epitome of one shackled in tama guna. The word ahaitakam means irrational, without reason, imagining that which gives meagre results to give great results. The words attatva-arthavat means devoid of reality, without substantiation of the Vedic scriptures. The word alpan means limited in scope and relates to foolish, trivial pagan acts such as worshiping ghosts and spirits for material power. So thus showing how the three gunas or modes of material nature have a direct effect on the knowledge possessed by the performer of any action; Lord Krishna will next expound upon their direct influence upon actions themselves.

Lord Krishna uses the word niyatma meaning consistency and refers to the regulated performance of prescribed Vedic activities as a matter of duty according to varnasrama the position and status one is situated in society. The words sanga-rahitam means free from attachment and egoism that one is the doer. The words araga-dvestha mean devoid of attraction to fame, power and an enjoying nature as well as void of aversion for defeat, failure and obscurity. Acts performed without a mentality of attraction and aversion are without vanity and ego and bereft of desire for phala or rewards and are firmly situated in sattva guna the mode of goodness.

Continuing Lord Krishna affirms that actions done to acquire rewards and which are escorted with conceit and attended by ahankarena or egoism, thinking that one is the actual doer and desirous of everyone to know and which is accomplished only after great endeavour and expenditure of effort is of the nature of raja guna the mode of passion.

The word mohat means in illusion, deluded. The word ksaya means loss referring to loss of time, energy and expenditure. The word anubandham meaning consequences is not considering the consequences of one’s actions and paurusam meaning capacity denotes oblivious to whether or not one has the capability to complete it. The word himsa meaning violence denotes causing injury to others. Lord Krishna reiterates that such endeavours engaged in foolish delusion are locked in tama guna the mode of ignorance.

Now Lord Krishna describes the threefold effects of the three gunas or modes of material nature on a performer of activity beginning with sattva guna the mode of goodness. 1) muktah-sangah is free from attachment and exempt from desires for results. 2) anaham-vadi is free from egoism as the doer and hence devoid of pride. 3) dhrti is fortitude and determination in surmounting all odds for accomplishment. 4) utsaha is enthusiasm and zeal in undertaking prescribed Vedic activities. The words siddhy-asiddhyor nirvikarah means equipoise in success or failure of all activities, realising that all results are under the auspices of karma or reactions to actions and the ultimate will of the Supreme Lord. Such consciousness is situated in sattva guna.

Now Lord Krishna describes the nature of one performing activities in raja guna the mode of passion. One who is ragi zealously ambitious in seeking fame, power, wealth, etc. One who is prepsuh always hankering for recompense and reward. One who is asucih or impure and greedy, envious and unrighteous causing injury to others by mental and physical cruelty. Such a one who is never in equipoise, who rejoices at success but is depressed by failure is indisputably known to be situated in raja guna.

One who is unqualified not having the requisite competence to perform prescribed Vedic activities. Who is prakritah or mundane and hence vulgar, vile and unrefined. Who is stabhah indolent, lethargic and unmotivated to engage in spiritual activities. Who is sathah or wicked having a predilection for evil and sorcery. Who is lazy, morose and deceitful. Who is dirgha-sutri rancorously insulting of others from envy and harbouring deep, dark vengeance against them. Such a one is unremittingly situated in tama guna the mode of passion.

The threefold characteristics have been described by the knowledge of the action to be done, by the method of the action to be done and by the performer of the action done. Next the threefold nature of buddhi or intelligence and dhriti or determination which are the essential factors for ascertaining what is truth and what is reality. Buddhi is the intelligent function of intellect that ascertains existence. Dhriti is the steadfast resolve that stands for righteousness in accomplishing the objective. Next Lord Krishna will illustrate the three gunas or modes of material natures influence upon them both.

1) pravrttinca is actions performed under the auspices of dharma or righteousness 2) nivrittinca is refraining from actions opposed to dharma which gives liberation 3) karya-akarye is knowing what is appropriate according to time, place and circumstance whether adhering to pravrittinca or nivrittinca 4) bhaya-abhaye is fear stemming from not adhering to the injunctions of the Vedic scriptures and fearlessness is by observing the ordinances of the Vedic scriptures 5) bandha is samsara or enslavement in the perpetual cycle of birth and death 6) moksa is liberation from material existence and release from samsara

Lord Krishna is affirming the essentials of those whose buddhi or intellect is situated in sattva guna the mode of goodness as only they have the ability to realise these points.

Here Lord Krishna explains that the buddhi or intellect of those situated in raja guna the mode of passion are unable to discern between the two types of dharma or righteousness given in the previous verse or their opposite of adharma or unrighteousness which subjects one to inappropriate actions according to time, place and circumstances.

Now Lord Krishna states that the buddhi or intellect of those in tama guna or mode of ignorance are enveloped in the darkness of consciousness. What they perceive is a distortion of reality. They think what is worthy is worthless and what is worthless is worthy, what is fact is fiction and what is fiction is fact what is inferior is superior and what is superior they consider inferior. They are easily led astray having no grasp of truth and no scope for what is real and what is unreal and thus endlessly they revolve in samsara the perpetual cycle of birth and death..

The potency of unwavering meditation and pranayama or breath control by which one enables and directs all the energies of the mind and controls the senses is an auxillary of yoga the individual consciousness attaining communion with the ultimate consciousness and is the only means of moksa or liberation from material existence. Bhakti yoga is exclusive loving devotion to the Supreme Lord Krishna or any of authorised avatars or incarnations as revealed in Vedic scriptures. This is absolutely the only way one may be freed from the enslavement of samsara the perpetual cycle of birth and death. There is no other alternative. Bhakti is glorious and sanctified, bestowing beatific bliss upon the performer and blessings upon all creation and is the only means for attaining the ultimate goal of all existence. On who has cast all other conceptions and designations far away and exclusively engages in bhakti yoga to the Supreme Lord with their mind, senses and body has their dhriti or determination situated fully in sattva guna the mode of goodness.

The dhrita or determination that is influenced by raja guna the mode of passion is motivated by desire for rewards and desires for kama or enjoyment and artha or wealth and hopes for dharma or righteousness keeps the impetus activated. For these are the means by which one interacts in life using the mind, senses and physical body; but the rewards that are reaped are only material and temporary. Moksa or liberation form material existence is never able to be achieved if one is motivated for rewards for their actions. So Lord Krishna has confirmed that activities which engage the mind, senses and body for the purpose of recompense and rewards is situated totally in raja guna and although may achieve kama, artha and dharma such activities can never bestow moksa.

The word svapnam means slumber inferring slothfulness. Madam is the delusion of enjoying sense objects. The dharmedah or unintelligent fools do not oppose their mind from allowing their senses to buffet then hither and thither in pursuit of sense gratification. They even sanction such treatment to satisfy their desires. The terms bhayam or dread, sokam or grief and nisadam or dejection are the by products of this delusion and those who occupy their time and energy and waste their invaluable human life as such Lord Krishna confirms are indispensably situated in tama guna.

The sukham or happiness of those who enjoy the objects of the senses and take great pleasure in sense gratification Lord Krishna states which seems like nectar in the beginning but which in the end after incessant repetition and habitual engagement seems to be just like a potion of poison when detected too late that such activities are a guaranteed premium paid reservation for samsara the perpetual cycle of birth and death is situated in raja guna the mode of passion.

That sukham or happiness which enthrals the jiva or embodied being both at the beginning and as well at the end even after the habitual, repetitive experience exhibits its true nature of enslavement and bondage to samsara the perpetual cycle of birth and death is affirmed by Lord Krishna as tama guna the mode of ignorance. The word mohanam means delusion and is the obscuration of the true nature of reality. Nidra or slumber denotes unconsciousness which can transpire even while engaging in an act of enjoyment. Alasya is slothfulness, the lassitude which comes from habitually dulled senses and which certainly contributes to dullness of mind. Pramada is inattention to what is required and is connected to dullness of mind. So the delusive nature of nidra, alasya and pramada are all situated firmly in tama guna and along with the characteristics of raja guna are very detrimental to the aspiring jiva.

On Earth, on other worlds, in the higher celestial spheres and the lower demoniac planets, in all of creation from the highest material being known as Brahma down to a simple plant; there is no living entity anywhere in material existence that is exempt from the influence of the three gunas or modes of material nature which arise from prakriti the material substratum pervading physical existence. Yet as the Vedic scriptures confirm by tyaga or renunciation one is released from the enslavement of samsara the perpetual cycle of birth and death and achieves moksa or liberation from material existence. As the means to moksa the tyaga does not differ from the meaning sannyasa symbolises which is also renunciation. Both mean the same and do not consider themselves the doer; but tyaga renounces the desire for rewards for actions and sannyasa renounces all actions. 1) Renunciation of rewards 2) Renunciation of thinking one is the doer 3) Renunciation for recognition for actions These three are realised by knowing that all is accomplished solely by the grace of the Supreme Lord Krishna alone and no other. This elevated state of consciousness can only be perceived under the dominating influence of sattva guna the mode of goodness and never raja guna the mode of passion or tama guna the mode of ignorance. In order to give credence and inspire regard for sattva guna that it is most worthy to be cultivated Lord Krishna had to show the demerits and deficiencies of raja and tama guna as well.

Now that the complex elaboration of the three gunas and their influence on the previously mentioned subjects by modifying them to manifest natural expression among the various classes of society while conforming to their individual and collective levels and classifications of existence. This will be illustrated to exemplify that all activities pertaining to moksa are of the nature of transcendence and are actually performed for the Supreme Lord. When such is invariably the case the actions performed themselves become the goal assuring communion with the Supreme Lord will be attained. How this is to be lucid and comprehensible will be revealed next.

The word svabhava means one’s inherent nature. This inherent nature arises from samskaras or past impressions and karma or reactions from past actions and is the root cause of determining birth as a Brahmin. The three gunas or modes of material nature arising from prakriti or the material substratum pervading all existence are determined by karma and samskaras as well. The predominating attribute of the Brahmins or spiritual class is sattva guna the mode of goodness. The predominating characteristic of the ksatriya or administrative class is raja guna the mode of passion. The predominating characteristic of the vaisyas or mercantile class is tama guna mixed with raja guna and the predominating characteristic of the sudras is only tama guna. Duties and responsibilities vary according to position and status in society as assigned by the Vedic scriptures. It is the Vedic scriptures which defines what qualities are possessed by Brahmins and what are the duties proper to their status as well as what occupations they may engage in. This Vedic directive applies to the other orders in society as well.

The natural duties appropriate for the Brahmins the priestly class are the following: 1) Samah is control of the inner sense the mind. 2) Damah is restraint of the external senses. 3) Tapas is austerity of the body as prescribed in Vedic scriptures like fasting. 4) Saucam is purity, sanctifying oneself to perform Vedic ordained duties. 5) Ksantih is forbearance, maintaining composure from provocation of others. 6) Arjavam is uprightness, expressing to others what one thinks without duplicity. 7) Jnanam is knowledge of the Vedic scriptures. 8) Vijnanam is realising the conclusions of the Vedic scriptures. 9) Astikam is absolute, irreversible faith the veracity of the Vedic scriptures which is impervious to any attempt to dissuade it. Such a resolute conviction is aware that: A) the Supreme Lord Krishna is the ultimate creator, maintainer and sustainer of all creation and that He is localised within every living being throughout all existence as Paramatma the omnipresent, supreme soul and that His all pervasive impersonal aspect is the Brahman the spiritual substratum pervading all existence and that His personal sound frequency is the transcendental sound vibration OM. B) The Supreme Lord Krishna and any of His authorised incarnations as revealed in Vedic scriptures is the indomitable antithesis to all that is evil and unrighteous. C) The Supreme Lord Krishna and His incarnations possess unlimited, glorious attributes and resplendent qualities such as omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, full power, full beauty, full cognizance, full renunciation, full opulence etc. which are eternal and transcendental.

D) The Supreme Lord Krishna is the sole object to be known in Vedic scriptures. E) He is the sole cause of all creation. F) He is the sole foundation of all creation. G) He is the Supreme controller of all creation. H) All prescribed Vedic activities enjoined to perform are variations of His worship I) Worshipped as such He confers blessings on humans according to their deeds.

This reality has already been evidenced in verses throughout Srimad Bhagavad-Gita like: In chapter 5, verse 29: One who understands that Lord Krishna is the supreme controller of all achieves liberation. In chapter 7, verse 6: Lord Krishna is the sole cause of creation and destruction of all existence and in verse 7: There is nothing superior to Lord Krishna. All creation is dependent upon Him. In chapter 10 verse 3: One who knows Lord Krishna is the supreme controller of all the worlds is not deluded among mortals and in verse 8: The wise know that Lord Krishna is the source of both the material and the spiritual worlds. In chapter 15 verse 15: Lord Krishna is the supreme soul within the heart of all living entities by the Vedas alone He is to be known and coming in chapter 18 verse 46: As everything is pervaded by Him, one attains perfection from performing prescribed Vedic activities to Lord Krishna. In this way this topic has been well evidenced.

Lord Krishna describes the natural duties of ksatriya the royal governing warrior class. 1) sauryam is bravery, valour and intrepidness in conflict without hesitation. 2) tejah is courageous, fiery nature that does not back down. 3) dhritih is endurance to persevere in an endeavour despite difficulties. 4) daksyam is adroitness, dexterity the ability to adjust in th execution of duties. 5) apalyanam is absence of cowardice even in the case of life or death. 6) danam is benevolence, generosity to others in need. 7) isvara-bhavah the capacity to lead and govern dependents.

The natural duties allocated to the vaisyas or agricultural, mercantile class are: 1) krishi or farming. 2) go-raksa or cow raising and cow protecting 3) vanijyam or acts of commerce and trade endorsed by the Vedic scriptures. The natural duties of sudras or worker class are amenable service to the upper 3 classes.

Thus by defining the duties of the four classes in Vedic culture the necessary performance of prescribed Vedic activities and the appropriate participation of each of the four classes is implied. For example in yagna or ritualistic performance of propitiation and worship the Brahmins will perform the ceremony, the ksatriya will donate wealth, the vaisyas will supply the ingredients such as ghee or clarified butter and cow products, the sudras will serve the ksatriyas and vaisyas.

The Brahmins being naturally endowed with sattva guna the mode of goodness are allotted with samah or self control of the mind which bestows the purity required to perform Vedic rituals and ceremonies. Although qualified for initiation this was not allocated to ksatriya and vaisyas due to they having a preponderance of raja guna mode of passion and tama guna mode of ignorance which is not compatible with samah.

The Brahmins exemplify by example the teachings of the Vedic scriptures instructing others the proper way to live a human existence according to the status of life they are in. The ksatriyas duty is to righteously govern and protect the citizens of the country. The vaisyas duty is cow protection and cultivating food for the population. The sudras duty is to do all the menial services for a fair compensation, necessary for the upper three classes to discharge their duties expediently and efficiently.

Every human achieves samsiddham or self-realisation by perfectly executing their own natural prescribed duty according to qualification as ordained by Vedic scriptures. How this is accomplished is explained next by Lord Krishna.

It is natural that those spiritually intelligent human beings who worship the source of their very existence, Lord Krishna who is the root, the foundation from whence all creation originates and by whom all existence is pervaded will certainly receive His grace and achieve the perfection of self-realisation. The Supreme Lord’s position has already been established in chapter 7, verses 6 and 7 where Lord Krishna confirms: He alone is the origin of all as well as the demise of all. There is nothing superior to Lord Krishna for all creation depends upon Him. In chapter 9, verse 4 He states: In an unperceivable manner He pervades all existence yet everything is in Him but He is not in it. In chapter 9, verse 10 He states: That His external energy manifests all moving and stationary jivas or embodied beings according to His direction and in chapter 10, verse 8 He reveals: That every aspect of creation, maintenance and existence as well as the Vedic scriptures has Him alone as the sole source. Such examples are unique to Lord Krishna exclusively and unprecedented.

To adhere to one’s own natural path of dharma or righteousness is what is being emphasised by Lord Krishna here. It is not as if one must follow the path of another. Everyone is entitled to perform those activities that are appropriate for their rank and station in life in constituting their propitiation to the Supreme Lord; but one must eliminate all sense of doership and desire for rewards. Such karma yoga or actions facilitating communion with the Supreme absolute expressed in visible activities which conform to the inherent nature of the individual manifest easily and naturally. Thus karma yoga performed in this manner is factually one’s own path of dharma albeit destitute of merit. By another’s dharma is meant jnana yoga or facilitating communion with the Supreme absolute by knowledge which depending on time and circumstance may or may not be helpful. Perfection in jnana yoga demands the consistent ability to completely control the mind and conquer the senses which is a lifetime endeavour and fraught with danger of lapses in constancy. So karma yoga is more fortuitous as the risks are minimal and chances for succeeding are greater even though jnana yoga is on a superior platform. A jiva or embodied being ensconced in a physical body with an appropriate mind and senses finds it normal to act in accordance with the natural impulses instigated by the senses. This is karma yoga and fulfilling activities in this manner if they do not contradict the injunctions of the Vedic scriptures or disregard the prohibitions thereof incur no sin, for actions speak for themselves. Whereas in jnana yoga once control of the mind and mastery of the senses has been achieved they must be kept controlled and mastered otherwise one will fall down from their position and subjected again to mundane desires and the influence of objects the senses which propels one to sin and locks one in samsara the perpetual cycle of birth and death. So by clearly elucidating the fact that karma yoga is indeed safer and more sure of success, Lord Krishna further corroborates what He previously had promulgated in chapter three.

The conclusion Lord Krishna gives for this subject is that actions that are initiated naturally and easily executed and are beset with no difficulties should be done even if there may be some fault or defect. The inner purport is that even those situated in jnana yoga or facilitating communion with the Supreme absolute by knowledge, they too should adopt the path of karma yoga or facilitating communion with the Supreme absolute by actions. All endeavours in the material world are accompanied by some sort of fault or defect and all living beings must perform actions to exist but the following of one’s own natural path is not in the least difficult or beset with unpredictable dangers. Whereas the standard of jnana yoga being higher the possibility of mistake and the chance of defect is greater as well as the demerit incurred. So karma yoga is encouraged.

Lord Krishna explains that when buddhi or spiritual intelligence is unfettered meaning unattached to desires and rewards and the mind is controlled and senses conquered, with no conceptions of doership, established in renunciation even while performing prescribed Vedic activities one attains the supreme serene state of bhakti or exclusive loving devotion unto the Supreme Lord by dhyana or meditation in communion with Him internally as well as propitiation to Him with one’s physical body externally such as japa or chanting His divine, holy names in ecstasy and promulgating His glories everywhere one goes throughout creation. By the wonderfulness of bhakti the mind and senses are already controlled and conquered quite easily and have surpassed the limits of jnana yoga or facilitating communion with the Supreme Lord by knowledge.

The perfection achieved by consistent performance of karma yoga or facilitating communion with the Supreme Lord by prescribed Vedic activities allows one to attain dhyana or meditation on Lord Krishna or any of His authorised incarnations and expansions as revealed in Vedic scriptures with bhakti or exclusive loving devotion. Lord Krishna is inviting one to learn how, in what manner and by what conduct one attains the the atma or immortal soul and the pure, consciousness of the brahman or spiritual substratum pervading all existence which are the two manifestations of the Supreme Lord who is the paramount of attainment and the goal of all endeavours.

Lord Krishna gives further characteristics of the spiritually qualified. The words brahma-bhutah means comprehending the eternal nature of the atma or immortal soul, the infinite nature of its consiousness and its essential relationship with the Supreme Lord. This essential relationship consists in realising that one is dependent upon the Supreme Lord in every aspect of existence and to be grateful to Him for everything. The word prasanna means pure hearted, lucid and clear internally, uncluttered by turbid and painful experiences. Na socati means does not grieve. Na kanksati means does not crave. Since all the love that such an aspirant feels is totally and exclusively for the Supreme Lord. The only grief such an aspirant ever experiences is separation from Lord Krishna and the only craving such an aspirant ever experiences is communion with Lord Krishna. Samah means equanimity and as such looks at all jivas or embodied beings equally, knowing the atma resides equally in all. It also can manifest as an attitude of indifference to anything not related directly to the Supreme Lord, avoiding mundane actions and shunning worldly attachments. Mad- bhaktim means exclusive loving devotion unto the Supreme Lord Krishna in the form of sublime and exquisite bliss occasioned by the atmas rapturous communion with Him, the Supreme Lord of all lords. The sole creator of the cosmic manifestation, its evolutions, progressions and dissolutions. Who is the absolute antithesis to all that is evil. Who is the root source of all creation and the depository of boundless, unlimited and glorious illustrious attributes and qualities. Who is united with Sri Laksmi the goddess of fortune. Who is the epitome of beauty and the sovereign of every jiva being the source of every atma. Lord Krishna is the supreme attainment, transcendental, all pervading, omnipotent, omniscient, far beyond material nature.

The word abhijanati means really knowing Lord Krishna. Perceiving who He is in essence by His essential attributes which manifests as glorious qualities of all creation. It is by bhakti or exclusive loving devotion unto the Supreme Lord Krishna which constitutes the eternal nature of the atma or immortal soul which subjectively initiates the quest to realise the Supreme Lord life after life until success is achieved by His discovery within the etheric heart of the atma from whence communion with Him commences. This knowledge of discovering the Supreme Lord consists of the atma envisioning Lord Krishna as He eternally is with a sparkling blackish complexion, two armed, dressed in golden cloth, bedecked with peacock feather, glorified by gunga mala, smiling charmingly while holding a flute to His lips. This vision is His original and eternal form and is rarely seen by even liberated jivas or embodied beings. More commonly seen is His four armed expansion as Ksirodakasayi Vishnu who resides in every living entity individually in the abode of the etheric heart of all jivas. Still others may envision any of His avatars or incarnations and expansions revealed in Vedic scriptures that they are surrendered to such as Rama or Narasinghadeva or even the visvarupa or universal form described in chapter 11. Once the vision has been obtained by intense love and devotion one attains communion with that very form of the Supreme Lord Krishna that one dedicated their life to. is devoted to and immediately is borne aloft to by such intense love and devotion. The word tatah refers to bhakti as the sole cause and means which verily constitutes the only way in reality to effect communion and attainment to the Supreme Lord. This was clearly and equivocally stated in chapter 11, verse 54 beginning bhaktya tv ananyaya meaning: That only by exclusive, loving devotion the Supreme Lord can be known.

The fruition of naimittika or daily prescribed Vedic activities as well as nitya or occasional prescribed Vedic activities with renunciation of desires for rewards performing every activity as an offering to the Supreme Lord in worship has been concisely elaborated. That the same fruition accompanies activities of kamya or craving when performed in the same manner in relationship to the Supreme Lord will be confirmed next.

All prescribed Vedic activities even the ones that are performed out of kamya or craving a result, if offered as worship of the Supreme Lord with full faith in Him understanding that He alone is the Supreme controller will inevitably attain the Supreme state of eternal communion with Lord Krishna which is sasvatam timeless and avyayam infinte.

Lord Krishna and His manifestations are constantly in the thoughts of His devotees in His impersonal form as the brahman or spiritual substratum pervading all existence, as paramatma the Supreme Soul pervading within the etheric hearts of all living entities simultaneously and in His original two armed blackish form bedecked with peacock feather and attended by flute as well as in His authorised incarnations and expansions. Dedicating all efforts and actions unto the Supreme Lord with devotion considering Him as the sole goal and ultimate reward constitutes the essence of consciousness and the apex of attainment.

Offering one’s mind and heart in total surrendered unto the Supreme Lord along with all actions all worldly obstacles and impediments shall be overcome by His grace. But if one acts contrary to these unequivocal instructions choosing to abide with erroneous ideas of knowing what is better then the Vedic scriptures and instead disregard the instructions that the Supreme Lord is giving. Then one will be assured of certain failure for verily there is no one superior to Lord Krishna amongst all the infinite myriad of created beings nor is there any other creator other then He.

Lord Krishna in a chastising mood reinforces the theme that if out of ahankara or egoism the delusion of ignoring His instructions is entertained and assumption of independence is embraced and one decides to artificially oppose their own natural path disregarding His mandate to the contrary. Such independent resolve will end in disappointment due to the reality that the predominant guna or mode of material nature will compel one to act in spite of all resistance. The mode itself will coerce one to acquiescence beyond their control.

It is a natural tendency for the ksatriyas or royal warriors to be heroically predisposed to fight for a righteous cause. In the case of mohat out of delusion having the false notion to abstain from fulfilling their natural duty so strong is it that one will definitely be compelled to plunge into battle even against one’s own will when one has been hurled the bitter sting of insults and deprecations of cowardice from one’s opponents. Indeed all jivas or embodied beings are bound by the indomitable laws of karma or reactions from past actions assuming various physical bodies to invariably adhere to the influence of the predominant guna or mode of material nature.

Isvarah is the all pervading Supreme Lord as the indwelling monitor within hrid dese the core of the heart which is the source of all consciousness, the basis of all actions pravritti or passive and nivritti or energetic. The Supreme Lord abides simultaneously in the etheric heart of every jiva or embodied being in a subatomic form known as paramatma the Supreme Soul. Once so installed the Supreme Lord activates, energises and animates the physical body of the jiva or embodied being. Maya the external illusory potency bombasts and buffets the jivas interminably in the material existence in accordance to and consistent with the guna or mode of material nature which is predominate. The Brihadaranyaka Upanisad III.VI.XV beginning yah sarvesu bhutesu tisthan states: The Supreme Lord abides in all beings and controls all living entities internally.

With all thy mind, with all thy heart and with all thy soul swiftly surrender unto the Supreme Lord Krishna taking full refuge in Him alone. It is He who is the Supreme controller, the Lord of all lords, the Supreme goal and ultimate attainment. Who out of His causeless mercy for all jivas or embodied beings and the incomparable love He has for His beloved devotees so much so that He, the Supreme Lord of all even condescended to accept the position of chariot driver for His dear devotee. So everyone should earnestly seek Him as their sole refuge adhering to His unsurpassable teachings manifested in the injunctions and ordinances of the Vedic scriptures and by following His unequivocal instructions in Srimad Bhagavad-Gita. By doing so one will by His Grace be able to transcend maya the illusory energy, surpassing the ocean of samsara the perpetual cycle of birth and death and at last achieve the peace that passes all understanding attaining the Supreme state of communion with the Supreme Lord, that immortal state of eternal empyrean from which there is no return to material existence.

Throughout the Vedic scriptures these points are confirmed. The Chandogya Upanisad III.XIII.VII beginning atha yad atah paro divo states: The resplendent Supreme Lord shines forth effulgently above the universe, beyond the brahman or spiritual substratum pervading all existence, transcending all worlds. The Katha Upanisad I.III.IX beginning vijnanas arathiryastu states: One can cross the ocean of samsara and reach the everlasting, eternal abode of the Supreme Lord, the final resort. In the Taittriya Upanisad III.X.III beginning yasah iti pashusu jyotiriti states: The Supreme Lord’s divine splendour is apparent in every aspect of creation whether phenomenal or celestial such as the splendour of the cows, the light of the stars, the bliss of the generative organ for procreation, etc. But when one meditates upon Lord Krishna as the supreme worship able divinity then one obtains Him and the immortal state of eternal empyrean.

Since the word jnanam or knowledge is linked to guhyataram meaning most confidential it denotes wisdom the conclusion of knowledge which is indispensable to an aspirant and the most valuable for it is the final conclusion for the entire Srimad Bhagavad-Gita. Lord Krishna instructs to examine, analyse and contemplate the teachings of the three paths known as karma yoga or facilitating communion with the Supreme Lord by actions. Bhakti yoga or facilitating communion with the Supreme Lord by exclusive loving devotion and by jnana yoga or facilitating communion with the Supreme Lord by empirical knowledge. After thoroughly reflecting on how each may be implemented into the reality of daily life one should harmonise them and act accordingly.

Among the three paths mentioned in the previous verse: bhakti yoga or facilitating communion by exclusive loving devotion unto the Supreme Lord Krishna or any of His authorised avatars or incarnations and expansions according to Vedic scriptures is considered the most exalted and pre- eminent and thus it is the most confidential. Because Lord Krishna is extremely affectionate to His devotees who have Him alone as their sole refuge, He will mercifully reveal in the next two verses the absolute conclusion and final essence of the entire divine discourse of Srimad Bhagavad-Gita.

Manmana bhava is a divine command that means to always have Lord Krishna completely and blissfully in one’s thoughts, to absorb oneself in Him. This is also established in the Vedic scriptures where we find in the Taittiriyaranyaka Upanisad III.XII beginning vedaham etam stating: The Resplendent Supreme Lord more radiant then thousands of suns is realised by absorbing the mind in Him by meditation. Realising Him Him one attains moksa liberation from material existence. There exists no other path to immortality. This devotional absorption in Lord Krishna is of such magnitude and intensity that its meditation becomes a vision and the vision becomes an ever flowing current of devotion that is so vivid that the experience actually enters the realm of reality.

Mad-bhakta is to offer all one’s loving emotions to Lord Krishna enthralled by love overflowing with enthusiasm, exuberance and excitement.

Mad-yagi is to worship Lord Krishna with love. To install Him in one’s heart as their personal worshipable diety. Such worship is the performance of the entire services that a liege administers to His sovereign on a daily basis upon waking untill sleeping. Yagi comes from yajana which is synonymous with pujana or worship and denotes aradhanam the most equisite loving worship. Therefore it is not a mere dry, formal observation of ceremonial ritual enacted out of duty. It is love flowing from the heart. It is a testament of devotion from the eternal svarupa or one’s immortal spiritual form. Mad yagi should be interpreted as offering one’s self to Lord Krishna as a brother, as a parent or as a beloved with a heart full of love.

Mam namaskuru is to enshrine Lord Krishna in the heart with the utmost, love, devotion and faith. Namas comes from namanam meaning obeisance. Such obeisance is not a mere habitual genuflexion; but a sublime expression of sincere gratitude and humility that constitutes an emotion of love felt internally.

If a blessed devotee of Lord Krishna arrives at this exalted vista of bhakti or exclusive loving devotion then the Supreme Lord will not hesitate to have their eternal individual association with Him in the immortal spiritual worlds. This is the truth that He Himself promises. It should never be interpreted as being just a metaphor or mere flowery prose. Such a hypothesis would not be genuine and incorrect.

Wherever there is a heart that has so much love for Lord Krishna then there is as much love from Lord Krishna back to them. Lord Krishna’s love is such that He finds it impossible to bear the separation from such surrendered and dedicated devotees and therefore without delay He personally brings them to Him directly in their eternal spiritual body even while their physical body is concluding its last life in material existence.

So it should be clearly and emphatically understood that the Supreme Lord Krishna’s solemn promise to His surrendered devotees is the total truth and nothing other than truth for which He pledges to vouch safe for His devotees for all eternity.

The phrase sarva-dharmam parityajya means renouncing all conceptions and methods of religiosity completely. Whatever is authorised in Vedic scriptures as righteous may be utilised in worship and propitiation to the Supreme Lord by karma yoga or facilitating communion with the Supreme Lord by prescribed Vedic actions, by bhakti yoga or facilitating communion with the Supreme Lord by exclusive loving devotion or by jnana yoga facilitating communion with the Supreme Lord by spiritual knowledge. But all other methods and conceptions must be renounced and relinquished along with phala tyaga or expectation of rewards, karma tyaga or identifying oneself as the owner of the result and kartritva or believing oneself to be the author of the act. The phrase mam ekam saranam vraja means to take exclusive shelter in the Supreme Lord Krishna understanding that He is the most worthy, most desirable and most worshipable of all that exists. That this is the quality of renunciation warranted in the Vedic scriptures that is required was evidenced by the Supreme Lord in the beginning of this chapter. In verse 4 He stated: Hear the truth about renunciation which is threefold. In verse 9 He stated: Actions are deemed as renunciation in sattva guna the mode of goodness when desire for rewards are abandoned. In verse 11 He stated: One is known as renounced who renounces the rewards for actions. Lord Krishna is promising His devotees that He will personally redeem and deliver from all sins His devotee who lives their life in the manner just explained. This includes sins of commission and sins of omission that accumulated over uncountable lifetimes from time immemorial. Past sins are immense burdens and obstacles in achieving moksa or liberation from material existence. Then to assure that what He has stated is a surety He states ma sucah meaning there is no need to despair.

Another interpretation is that Lord Krishna consoles His devotees who may be stricken with grief by the thought of so many sins committed and omitted in countless past lives. For karma yoga and jnana yoga there is no restrictions in performing actions and acquiring knowledge respectively; but for bhakti yoga which is exclusive, personal loving devotion unto Lord Krishna or any of His authorised avatars or incarnations and expansions such as Rama, Vamana, Narasingha, etc. to be performed all ones sins must be entirely dissolved and one must have great love for the Supreme Lord as well. A devotee may have great love for the Supreme Lord but eradicating all one’s sins is another matter. There are only two ways to eradicate all sins. Either by the acceptance of the Vaisnava spiritual master in authorised disciplic succession who takes all one’s sins and transfers them upwards to his guru who transfers them upwards to his guru and so forth and so on all the way back to Lord Krishna who personally dissolves them all immediately is one way. The other way is by personal effort. Reflecting on all the sins one has accumulated since the beginning of time and then not even the committed sins but only just the omitted sins like not fasting from grains on Ekadasi when all sins of the world enter grains on the 11th day of the new and full moons is enough for a devotee to become quite dismayed. In a human lifetime of Earth it is not possible to exhaust by expiatory rituals and austerities all the sins hoarded over innumerable lifetimes. There is not enough time so contemplating their lack of qualification a sincere devotee would despair. To console His devotees Lord Krishna omnisciently understands that to eradicate all the myriad of sins accumulated over unlimited lives by expiatory ceremonies would be futile in the short span of life a human being has. Such ceremonies are difficult to conduct successfully, are costly and time consuming and so any chance of successfully eradicating all one’s sins in this way is out of the question. To alleviate this difficulty Lord Krishna reveals the solution which grants success in order to be able to embark upon bhakti yoga is to exclusively take complete refuge in Him. There is no cost whatsoever for admission. The Supreme Lord who is the creator, maintainer, protector and sustainer of the total creation, most magnanimously and compassionately gives exclusive shelter to those who seek Him exclusively and irrevocably promises to eradicate all one’s sins which are the awesome barriers prohibiting one from communion with the Supreme Lord and the ambrosial bliss of bhakti.

As this science of immortality is exceeding esoteric and confidential, Lord Krishna gives the mandate as to those whom Srimad Bhagavad-Gita should never be imparted to. 1) atapaskaya means one who does not exercise control of their senses 2) na abhaktaya means one who is not a devotee of Lord Krishna or any of His incarnations and expansions. A deeper interpretation is that it should never be given to one who has no love for Lord Krishna or any of His incarnation and expansions. Even if one is aspiring to receive initiation as a Vaisnava Brahmin; yet if one is devoid of loving devotion to Lord Krishna then the confidential teachings of Srimad Bhagavad-Gita should be restricted from them until qualified. 3) susrusave means one who’s averse to submissive reverence to the spiritual guru 4) abhyasuyati means one who is envious and blasphemous to the Supreme Lord.

To these four types of jivas or embodied beings Srimad Bhagavad-Gita should never be disclosed. For whatever they would hear about the Supreme Lords glories and potencies would make such vile miscreants offensive in their attitude and actions.

The differences of case employed in the ablative form a-tapaskaya, a- bhaktaya etc. to the nominative form yo mam etc. is to emphasise the exceedingly despicable characteristics of those who are abhyasuyati who are just like poison vipers. The exposure of the wicked is more imperious then the laudation of the virtuous as the wicked are most degraded.

One who reveals this glorious exposition of the most profound and confidential knowledge in all existence known as Srimad Bhagavad-Gita to the devotees of Lord Krishna will have their own devotion to the Supreme Lord multiplied and will attain His eternal communion. This is absolutely certain.

Lord Krishna affirms that there has never been in the past a human being out of all humanity who was more dear to Him then one who promulgates Srimad Bhagavad-Gita to His devotees; nor will they ever be one dearer to Him in the future. Priya-krttamah means pleases more by their actions. This extolling of the qualities of His exalted servitor is to illustrate the immense divide between the devotees of the Supreme Lord and those who are not devotees of the Supreme Lord.

The Supreme Lord Krishna has resolved and made it eternal by speaking it, that whenever His devotee adhyesyate studies the Srimad Bhagavad-Gita; He will accept it as an offering consider Himself served in jnana-yagnena as direct propitiation and worship unto Him. Such propitiation and worship is what is inculcated in this divine discourse where by its transcendental potency a mere reciting of the verses equates to offering direct propitiation and worship unto the Supreme Lord which He affirms He accepts.

Furthermore Lord Krishna confirms that one with faith in Him, without malice and envy, who even hears verses from Srimad Bhagavad-Gita from His devotee is sufficient to free one from the sins obstructing one from beginning bhakti exclusive loving devotion unto the Supreme Lord by which one will become a muktah liberated being. Just to hear this divine discourse from the Supreme Lords devotee is enough to be released from samsara the perpetual cycle of birth and death. Such a blessed one will join the ranks of the Supreme Lords devoted servitors abiding eternally in the imperishable spiritual realms.

Lord Krishna asks two questions: Has His divine discourse known as Srimad Bhagavad-Gita spoken by Him been fully comprehended with focused attention and has it dispelled the dark delusion of ignorance. Ajnana sammohah means dark delusion of ignorance.

The words tvat prasadan means by your grace. By the grace of Lord Krishna all illusion was dispelled. The word tvat is derived from tvatvam meaning eternal spiritual verities. The word smriti means wisdom, enlightenment concerning the absolute nature of tvatvam. By the Supreme Lord’s Grace this was bestowed. Smriti consists in knowing that the atma or immortal soul is distinct from matter, that the atma is different in nature from matter, that the atma is cognizant and existing equally in all jivas or embodied beings including humans, animals, fish, plants etc. and that the atma is an infinitesimal, eternal part of the Supreme Lord Krishna is dependent upon Him, under His direction and always in allegiance to Him. Smriti also consists in knowing that Lord Krishna is the sole origin of all creation, duration and dissolution of the complete material existence and all its myriad of unlimited variegated beings. Knowing that He is the opposing antithesis to all that is evil. Knowing that He is the almighty ocean of illustrious attributes such omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, unrivalled power, wisdom, beauty, wealth, fame and renunciation. In knowing that Lord Krishna is He that is described so gloriously as the goal of the Vedic scriptures and in knowing that He is knowable by the Vedic scriptures. Smriti consists in knowing that Lord Krishna can only be attained by bhakti exclusive loving devotion unto Him. Such an exalted position is only achieved by knowledge of lower and higher, what is the ultimate and what is the minimal, what is to be accepted and what is to be rejected. Tvatvam the eternal spiritual verities are to be embraced all else is to be discarded.

The word moha means illusion, the obfuscation of absolute knowledge for perverted knowledge. Moha is also infatuation with the physical body believing it to be the actual self instead of just a vehicle for the jiva or embodied being Moha is also delusory misconceptions about the nature of karma reactions from actions, the nature of nitya or the eternal prescribed Vedicduties and the nature of naimittika the occasional prescribed Vedic duties. Erroneously thinking that devotional activities to the Supreme Lord lead to bondage. Illusion is distorted knowledge which gives rise to false conceptions of relationships to family, friends, race, country, planet, etc. It also gives false conceptions to the limitations of individual freewill. Distorted knowledge perpetually manifests distorted knowledge. By the Supreme Lords Grace all such delusions, doubts and misconceptions have been dispelled.

The use of the name Vasudeva the son of Vasudeva in referring to Lord Krishna denotes how the Supreme Lord deigns to manifest His completely spiritual body in human form with a father and mother like any other human in order to conceal His supreme divinity. The use of the word Partha refers to Arjuna as the son of Pritha who is Vasudeva’s sister and Lord Krishna’s paternal aunt. This relationship illustrates how deeply and dearly Lord Krishna loves all His creation. The word mahatma meaning great soul refers to Lord Krishna being paramatma the supreme soul existing simultaneously in the etheric hearts of every living entity. It can also refer to Arjuna who heeding the advice and instructions of Lord Krishna has become eminently wise in tvatvam eternal spiritual verities.

The phrase vyasa-prasadat means by the grace of Krishna Dvaipayana Vedavyasa the author of Vedanta Sutras, the Puranas, Mahaharata, etc. This grace gave Sanjaya celestial vision and clairaudience to directly see and hear all that transpired on the battlefield and thus he was able to recite verbatim the divine discourse spoken by Lord Krishna known as Srimad Bhagavad-Gita exactly as Lord Krishna originally revealed it.

The wonderous and amazing recitation of Srimad Bhagavad-Gita by Lord Krishna directly heard and seen by Sanjaya by clairaudience and celestial vision sanctified and rejuvenated him. Reminiscing on this divine discourse over and over again he became increasingly ecstatic and thrilled.

The phrase rupam atyadbhutam refers to the phenomenal visvarupa or universal form exhibited by Lord Krishna on the battlefield that was described in chapter 11 which Sanjaya had observed in astonishment by the power of his celestial vision. The more he remembered this amazing and astonishing visvarupa the more rapturous and ecstatic he became by its transcendental magnificence. Marvelling in wondrous ecstasy he is incessantly inundated by waves of rapture.

The name yogesvara attributed to Lord Krishna means the ultimate lord of all yogas or all prescribed Vedic activities that lead directly to communion with the Supreme Lord who is the sole bestower of all dispensations, benedictions and rewards for all endeavours appropriate to the qualification of the aspirant and the quality of the action after the accumulative karma or reactions to all actions in all forms of previous existences sentient or insentient have been calculated and tabulated throughout all creation. One time one existed as a demigod, another time as a demon, aother time as an animal, another time as a human all forms of life are dependent upon the actions performed in the previous life. All are subject to diversities of existence. They have their beginning and they have an ending. Only the Supreme Lord who is eternally spiritual in His form, nature and qualities being completely transcendental to material existence along with His liberated associates and servitors, who first realising the atma or immortal soul they achieved moksa or liberation and subsequently attained eternal communion with the Supreme Lord.

Wherever Lord Krishna and Arjuna are present and whenever they are glorified by thinking about them, or reading about them, or speaking about them, or hearing about them, then at that very place will be srih or opulence, vijaya or victory, bhutih or opulence and niti or righteousness.