The story · Postwar grief makes Yudhiṣṭhira consider leaving the throne; instruction helps him resume rule.
What the verses say · Prescribed duties should not be abandoned; true renunciation means performing them without attachment to their results.
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Chapter18
Mokṣa-sannyāsa-yoga · 78 verses
Conclusion — The Perfection of Renunciation
Perform your duty without attachment and surrender to Kṛṣṇa.
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Verse notes
Every verse in simple words, from Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Tap a verse to study it in depth.
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BG 18.1Understanding Renunciation
Study this verse- Arjuna asks Kṛṣṇa to explain the purpose of renunciation (tyāga) and the renounced order of life (sannyāsa).
- Prabhupāda explains that Chapter Eighteen summarizes the teachings: devotional service to the Supreme Lord is life’s ultimate goal.
- Like Arjuna, seek Kṛṣṇa’s help to clear doubts and find peace of mind.
BG 18.2Two Kinds of Renunciation
Study this verse- Sannyāsa means giving up activities based on material desire; tyāga means giving up the results of all activities.
- Prabhupāda explains that desire-driven sacrifices should stop, but sacrifices that purify the heart or deepen spiritual knowledge should continue.
- Give up activities driven by material desires, but continue those that help you grow in spiritual knowledge.
BG 18.3Different Views on Giving Up
Study this verse- Some learned men say to give up all actions done for results; others say sacrifice, charity and penance should never be abandoned.
- Prabhupāda explains that sages disagree about animal sacrifice, which is meant to give the animal a new life.
- The Lord Himself now clarifies these different opinions about sacrifice.
BG 18.4Kṛṣṇa’s Judgment on Renunciation
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa asks Arjuna to hear His judgment: scripture describes three kinds of renunciation.
- Prabhupāda explains that renunciation is understood by the modes of material nature in which it is performed.
- Accept Kṛṣṇa’s judgment as final, because He is the Supreme Lord who gives the Vedic laws.
BG 18.5Acts That Purify
Study this verse- Sacrifice, charity and penance must not be given up; they purify even great souls.
- Prabhupāda explains that prescribed sacrifices help people reach the Supreme Lord, and charity purifies the heart.
- Give charity to suitable persons to help advance in spiritual life.
BG 18.6Duty Without Attachment
Study this verse- These activities should be done as a duty, without attachment or expectation of results. This is the Lord’s final opinion.
- Prabhupāda explains that sacrifices for material advancement should be given up, but those that purify us and lead to Kṛṣṇa consciousness should continue.
- Accept work, sacrifice or charity that helps you serve the Lord with devotion.
BG 18.7Do Not Abandon Prescribed Duties
Study this verse- Giving up prescribed duties because of illusion is renunciation in the mode of ignorance.
- Prabhupāda explains that work for material satisfaction should stop, but activities that advance Kṛṣṇa consciousness should continue.
- Cook for the Supreme Lord, offer the food to Him, and then accept it, rather than cooking only for yourself.
BG 18.8Do Not Quit from Fear
Study this verse- Giving up prescribed duties because they seem troublesome or cause bodily discomfort is renunciation in passion. It never brings the true result of renunciation.
- Prabhupāda explains that one should not stop earning money that can serve Kṛṣṇa consciousness out of fear of fruitive activity.
- Do not avoid rising early to advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness just because it feels troublesome.
BG 18.9Renunciation in Goodness
Study this verse- Doing prescribed duty because it ought to be done, without material association or attachment to results, is renunciation in goodness.
- Prabhupāda explains that one who works for Kṛṣṇa and gives up the results for Him acts transcendentally.
- Perform your prescribed duty for Kṛṣṇa, without attachment to the results.
BG 18.10Working Without Hate or Attachment
Study this verse- An intelligent renouncer in goodness neither hates inauspicious work nor clings to auspicious work, and has no doubts about work.
- Prabhupāda explains that a Kṛṣṇa conscious person does not hate what troubles the body and performs duty without fear.
- Do your duty at the proper place and time, without fearing the trouble it may bring.
BG 18.11True Renunciation
Study this verse- A person in a body cannot stop all activity. True renunciation means giving up the fruits of action.
- Prabhupāda explains that a true renouncer works for Kṛṣṇa and offers everything to Him instead of enjoying the results.
- Continue your work, but offer its results to Kṛṣṇa rather than keeping them for your own enjoyment.
BG 18.12Freedom from Action’s Results
Study this verse- After death, those who are not renounced receive desirable, undesirable or mixed results of action; the renounced do not.
- Prabhupāda explains that one acting in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, knowing his relationship with Kṛṣṇa, is always liberated.
- Act in Kṛṣṇa consciousness with knowledge of your relationship with Kṛṣṇa.
BG 18.13Five Causes of Action
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa tells Arjuna that Vedānta teaches five causes for the accomplishment of all action.
- Prabhupāda explains that the Supersoul has ultimate control. Kṛṣṇa conscious acts done under His inner direction bring no reaction in this life or after death.
- For success in any activity, consider all five causes and consult the authority of Vedānta.
BG 18.14Five Factors of Action
Study this verse- The five factors of action are the body, the performer, the senses, different efforts, and the Supersoul.
- The soul acts through the senses, but all activities depend on the will of the Supersoul, the Supreme Lord within the heart.
- Act in Kṛṣṇa consciousness under the Supersoul’s direction; such action does not bind you.
BG 18.15Right and Wrong Actions
Study this verse- Every right or wrong action done by body, mind or speech depends on five factors.
- Prabhupāda explains that right work follows scriptural directions, while wrong work goes against them. Both require all five factors.
- Choose actions that follow the directions of scripture.
BG 18.16Not the Only Doer
Study this verse- One who ignores the five factors and thinks himself the only doer cannot see things as they are.
- The Supersoul sits within as a friend and conducts our actions. Beyond the four material causes, the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the final cause.
- Recognize the Supreme’s role in your actions instead of thinking you act alone.
BG 18.17Acting Without False Ego
Study this verse- One free from false ego, whose intelligence is not entangled, does not truly kill or become bound by actions, even when killing.
- Prabhupāda explains that acting in Kṛṣṇa consciousness under the Supreme Lord’s direction frees one from such reactions.
- Do not think of yourself as the independent doer. Recognize the Supreme Lord as the one who sanctions action.
BG 18.18What Leads to Action
Study this verse- Knowledge, the object of knowledge and the knower motivate action. The senses, the work and the doer make up action.
- Prabhupāda explains that thinking, feeling and willing come before action. Work then happens through the senses, including the mind.
- Draw inspiration for your work from scripture or the spiritual master's instruction.
BG 18.19Three Modes of Material Nature
Study this verse- Knowledge, action, and workers are divided into three kinds according to the modes of material nature.
- Prabhupāda explains that goodness is illuminating, passion is materialistic, and ignorance leads to laziness.
- All three modes are binding. Even goodness keeps one conditioned and is not a source of liberation.
BG 18.20Seeing One Spiritual Nature
Study this verse- Knowledge in goodness sees one undivided spiritual nature in all living beings, despite their many forms.
- Prabhupāda explains that this living force belongs to the Supreme Lord’s superior nature. It is imperishable, though bodies perish.
- Look beyond differences in bodies and recognize the spiritual nature present in every living being.
BG 18.21Knowledge in Passion
Study this verse- Seeing a different type of living entity in each different body is knowledge in the mode of passion.
- Prabhupāda explains that this includes thinking the body is the living entity and consciousness ends when the body is destroyed.
- The belief that there are no individual souls, only an all-pervading soul, is also in the mode of passion.
BG 18.22Knowledge in the Mode of Darkness
Study this verse- Knowledge that treats one kind of work as everything, without knowing the truth, is very limited and in darkness.
- Prabhupāda explains that knowledge concerned only with bodily comfort has no connection with the Absolute Truth.
- Develop knowledge through authorities and scripture, learning about the spirit soul beyond the body.
BG 18.23Action in Goodness
Study this verse- Regulated action done without attachment, love or hatred, or desire for rewards is in the mode of goodness.
- Prabhupāda explains that these duties follow scripture and are done without claiming ownership, in Kṛṣṇa consciousness to satisfy the Supreme.
- Perform your duties to please the Supreme, not for your own gratification.
BG 18.24Action in the Mode of Passion
Study this verse- Action done with great effort to satisfy desires, out of false ego, is in the mode of passion.
- Such action aims at fulfilling one's own desires.
- Check whether your actions are driven by personal desires and false ego.
BG 18.25Action in Ignorance
Study this verse- Actions done in illusion, ignoring scripture, future bondage, and harm to others, are in the mode of ignorance.
- Prabhupāda explains that we must answer for our actions to the state or to the Supreme Lord’s agents, the Yamadūtas.
- Before acting, consider scriptural guidance, future bondage, and any harm your actions may cause others.
BG 18.26A Worker in Goodness
Study this verse- A worker in goodness does duty free from the material modes and false ego, with determination, enthusiasm, and steadiness in success or failure.
- Prabhupāda explains that a person in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is above the material modes and works without expecting results, remaining enthusiastic until the work is complete.
- Do your duty with enthusiasm, without pride or expectations for results, and stay steady in success or failure.
BG 18.27The Worker in Passion
Study this verse- A worker in passion is attached to work and its rewards, greedy, envious, impure, and moved by joy and sorrow.
- Prabhupāda explains that such a worker seeks material comfort, not higher elevation, and ignores whether earnings are pure or impure.
- Notice whether attachment to results makes you very happy in success and deeply distressed in failure.
BG 18.28The Worker in Ignorance
Study this verse- A worker in ignorance acts against scripture and is materialistic, stubborn, dishonest, insulting, lazy, gloomy, and slow to act.
- Prabhupāda explains that scripture teaches what work to do and avoid. Ignorant workers neglect this guidance and keep postponing their duties.
- Follow scriptural guidance, do your duties properly, and avoid putting them off.
BG 18.29Understanding and Determination
Study this verse- The Lord asks Arjuna to listen as He explains understanding and determination according to the three modes of material nature.
- Prabhupāda explains that the Lord now describes the worker’s intelligence and determination, just as He previously described knowledge, its object, and the knower.
- Listen carefully to the Lord’s explanation of these different kinds of understanding and determination.
BG 18.30Understanding in Goodness
Study this verse- Understanding in goodness knows what to do and avoid, what to fear and not fear, and what binds and liberates.
- Prabhupāda explains that actions guided by scripture should be done; actions not guided by scripture should not be done.
- Use scriptural directions to decide how to act and avoid becoming entangled in work and its reactions.
BG 18.31Understanding in Passion
Study this verse- Understanding that cannot distinguish religion from irreligion, or proper from improper action, is in the mode of passion.
- This means being unable to tell what should be done and what should not be done.
- Before acting, consider whether the action should or should not be done.
BG 18.32Understanding in Ignorance
Study this verse- Understanding in ignorance confuses religion with irreligion and always moves in the wrong direction.
- Prabhupāda explains that such intelligence mistakes truth for untruth and a common man for a great soul.
- Be careful not to reject actual religion or accept untruth as truth.
BG 18.33Determination in Goodness
Study this verse- Unbreakable determination, sustained by steady yoga practice, controls the mind, life and senses and is in goodness.
- Prabhupāda explains that firmly focusing the mind, life and senses on the Supreme Soul means engaging in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Stay steady in Kṛṣṇa consciousness without being diverted by other activities.
BG 18.34Determination in Passion
Study this verse- Determination that clings to results in religion, economic development and sense gratification is in the mode of passion.
- Prabhupāda explains that such a person engages the mind, life and senses only to gain results and satisfy the senses.
- Examine whether your religious or economic activities are driven only by a desire for results and sense pleasure.
BG 18.35Determination in Darkness
Study this verse- Determination that cannot rise beyond dreaming, fear, sorrow, gloom and illusion is in the mode of darkness.
- Prabhupāda explains that dreaming is natural in every mode. Here, “dream” means too much sleep.
- Avoid oversleeping, pride in material enjoyment and dreams of ruling the material world; these show determination in ignorance.
BG 18.36Three Kinds of Happiness
Study this verse- The verse introduces three kinds of happiness through which the conditioned soul enjoys and sometimes ends all distress.
- Prabhupāda explains that material enjoyment repeats the same pleasures. Association with a great soul can awaken real Kṛṣṇa consciousness and bring relief from material entanglement.
- Seek good association to recognize repeated material pleasures for what they are and awaken Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
BG 18.37Happiness in the Mode of Goodness
Study this verse- Happiness in goodness may begin like poison but ends like nectar and awakens self-realization.
- Prabhupāda explains that rules for controlling the mind and senses are difficult, but success brings real happiness on the transcendental level.
- Be patient with the difficult practice of controlling the mind and senses in pursuit of self-realization.
BG 18.38Happiness in Passion
Study this verse- Happiness from contact between the senses and their objects seems like nectar at first but ends like poison. It is in the mode of passion.
- Prabhupāda explains that sexual pleasure may seem pleasing at first but later bring separation, lamentation, and sorrow.
- Avoid happiness based on sense pleasure, because it leads to distress.
BG 18.39Happiness in Ignorance
Study this verse- Happiness from sleep, laziness and illusion is blind to self-realization and is in the mode of ignorance.
- Prabhupāda explains that ignorance brings no real happiness—only distress from beginning to end.
- Do not mistake pleasure in laziness and sleep for real happiness.
BG 18.40The Three Modes Affect All
Study this verse- No being here or among the demigods in the higher planets is free from the three modes of material nature.
- Prabhupāda explains that the Lord summarizes the modes’ total influence throughout the universe.
- Remember that even the demigods are subject to these three modes.
BG 18.41Qualities Born of Nature
Study this verse- Brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas and śūdras are distinguished by their qualities.
- These qualities arise from their own natures.
- These natural qualities are connected with the material modes.
BG 18.42Natural Qualities of Brāhmaṇas
Study this verse- Brāhmaṇas work according to their natural qualities.
- These include peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance and honesty.
- Knowledge, wisdom and religiousness are also among their natural qualities.
BG 18.43Natural Qualities of Kṣatriyas
Study this verse- The verse describes the natural qualities of kṣatriyas in their work.
- These are heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity, and leadership.
- Generosity and leadership belong among these qualities, alongside power and courage.
BG 18.44Natural Work and Service
Study this verse- Farming, cow protection, and business are natural work for vaiśyas; labor and service to others are work for śūdras.
- Cow protection is included in the vaiśyas’ work, along with farming and business.
- The śūdras’ work includes both labor and serving others.
BG 18.45Perfection Through Your Work
Study this verse- Everyone can become perfect by working according to their qualities.
- The verse introduces an explanation of how this perfection can be reached.
- Do work that matches your qualities.
BG 18.46Worship Through Your Work
Study this verse- By doing your own work as worship of the Lord, the source of all beings who is present everywhere, you can attain perfection.
- Prabhupāda explains that we are parts of the Lord and should serve Him in full Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The Lord Himself delivers such devotees.
- Whatever your occupation, use the results of your work to worship Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
BG 18.47Serve Through Your Own Duty
Study this verse- Doing your own duty imperfectly is better than doing another’s perfectly. Duties suited to your nature bring no sinful reactions.
- Prabhupāda explains that no work is shameful when done to serve the Supreme Lord. Work for personal sense pleasure causes bondage.
- Do work suited to your nature without imitating another’s duty, and aim to satisfy the Supreme Lord.
BG 18.48Serve Despite Faults
Study this verse- Every effort has faults, like fire covered by smoke. Do not give up work born of your nature because of its faults.
- Prabhupāda explains that changing occupations cannot remove all faults. Work done to satisfy the Supreme Lord is purified.
- Continue your natural duties with determination to serve the Supreme Lord in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
BG 18.49Real Renunciation
Study this verse- Through renunciation, a self-controlled person who is unattached to material enjoyment can reach complete freedom from reactions to work.
- Prabhupāda explains that real renunciation means knowing we are part of the Supreme Lord and that our work’s results are for His enjoyment.
- Work for Kṛṣṇa’s pleasure, finding satisfaction in serving Him rather than in material enjoyment.
BG 18.50The Highest Perfection
Study this verse- The Lord will summarize how one who has achieved perfection can reach Brahman, the stage of highest knowledge.
- Prabhupāda explains that doing one’s duty for the Supreme Lord and giving up its results for His satisfaction leads to self-realization. Knowledge reaches perfection in pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Perform your duty for the Supreme Lord’s satisfaction, giving up the results of your work for Him.
BG 18.51Purification and Self-Realization
Study this verse- Purified intelligence, firm control of the mind, and freedom from attachment and hatred lead toward self-realization.
- Prabhupāda explains that freedom from thinking “I am this body” removes false pride and brings peace.
- Eat only what you need, control your speech, and be satisfied with what the Lord offers by His grace.
BG 18.52Detachment and Self-Realization
Study this verse- Living in seclusion, eating little, controlling body, mind and speech, and remaining detached lead toward self-realization.
- Prabhupāda explains that a detached person does not identify with the body and is satisfied with what the Lord provides by His grace.
- Eat only what you need, and practice controlling your body, mind and speech.
BG 18.53Peace Through Self-Realization
Study this verse- A peaceful person, free from false ego, pride, lust, anger, and claims of ownership, reaches self-realization.
- Prabhupāda explains that such a person does not mistake the body for the self and is satisfied with what the Lord provides.
- Practice controlling your body, mind, and speech, and eat only what you need.
BG 18.54Joy in Pure Devotion
Study this verse- One who realizes the Supreme Brahman is fully joyful, free from grief and desire, equal toward all beings, and attains pure devotional service.
- Prabhupāda explains that a pure devotee is already liberated and feels complete and joyful in Kṛṣṇa’s service.
- See every living being as part of the Supreme Lord, rather than judging anyone as higher or lower by temporary position.
BG 18.55Knowing Kṛṣṇa Through Devotion
Study this verse- Only devotional service reveals Kṛṣṇa as He is, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Full awareness of Him through devotion allows one to enter His kingdom.
- Prabhupāda explains that entering Kṛṣṇa’s kingdom does not mean losing our identity. We remain individuals and continue serving Him after liberation.
- Practice pure devotional service under a pure devotee’s guidance, and hear about Kṛṣṇa to grow more attached to serving Him.
BG 18.56Under Kṛṣṇa’s Protection
Study this verse- Though engaged in all kinds of activities, Kṛṣṇa’s pure devotee reaches His eternal abode by His grace and protection.
- Prabhupāda explains that a pure devotee always acts under the Lord’s or spiritual master’s direction and is guaranteed entrance into Kṛṣṇaloka despite difficulties.
- Seek to act under the direction of the Lord or the spiritual master to become free from material contamination.
BG 18.57Work Under Kṛṣṇa’s Direction
Study this verse- Depend on Kṛṣṇa in all activities, work under His protection, and remain fully conscious of Him.
- Prabhupāda explains that a devotee serves only to satisfy Kṛṣṇa, following His teachings and the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master.
- Follow Kṛṣṇa’s directions in your duties; do not act on a whim and then offer Him the results.
BG 18.58Act in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
Study this verse- By Kṛṣṇa’s grace, those conscious of Him overcome all obstacles of conditioned life. Those who ignore Him and act through false ego are lost.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa becomes His devotee’s closest friend, caring for the devotee and freeing them from material troubles.
- Work to please Kṛṣṇa rather than think yourself independent. His guidance from within is confirmed by the spiritual master.
BG 18.59Follow the Supreme Lord’s Direction
Study this verse- The Lord says that refusing His direction to fight would be mistaken; Arjuna’s nature would still lead him to warfare.
- Prabhupāda explains that false ego made Arjuna fear sinful results and forget that the Supreme Lord was directing him.
- Follow the Supreme Lord’s direction and the spiritual master’s order without hesitation, acting in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
BG 18.60Act Under the Lord’s Direction
Study this verse- Under illusion, Arjuna refuses the Lord’s direction, but his own nature will compel him to act anyway.
- Prabhupāda explains that those who refuse the Supreme Lord’s direction must act under the modes of nature.
- Willingly act under the Supreme Lord’s direction; doing so makes one glorious.
BG 18.61The Lord in Every Heart
Study this verse- The Supreme Lord is in everyone’s heart, directing living beings who ride in bodies like machines made of material energy.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa, as the Supersoul, witnesses all our activities and directs material nature to give us bodies according to our past desires.
- Do not think you are independent of the Lord. Our duty is to surrender to Him.
BG 18.62Surrender Fully to Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Surrender completely to the Lord. By His grace, you will gain spiritual peace and reach His supreme, eternal abode.
- Prabhupāda explains that the Lord in everyone’s heart is Kṛṣṇa. Surrender to Him frees one from all the miseries of material life.
- Seek shelter in Kṛṣṇa and depend on His grace for peace and freedom from misery.
BG 18.63Think Carefully, Then Choose
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa tells Arjuna to think fully about this more confidential knowledge, then act as he wishes.
- Prabhupāda explains that God respects our little independence, but surrender to the Supersoul within the heart is best for us.
- Think carefully about Kṛṣṇa’s instructions, then choose to follow them to become steady in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
BG 18.64Kṛṣṇa’s Most Confidential Instruction
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa asks His very dear friend Arjuna to hear His supreme instruction for his benefit.
- Prabhupāda explains that the most confidential knowledge is to surrender to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Always think of Kṛṣṇa and follow His instruction to surrender; this teaching is for everyone.
BG 18.65Always Think of Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa asks His dear friend to always think of Him, become His devotee, worship Him and offer Him respect. He promises that His friend will surely come to Him.
- Prabhupāda explains that pure devotion means always thinking of Kṛṣṇa and acting for Him. Such devotees will return to Kṛṣṇa’s abode and be with Him face to face.
- Arrange your daily activities so they connect with Kṛṣṇa and help you remember His original, two-handed form holding a flute.
BG 18.66Surrender to Kṛṣṇa Without Fear
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa says to give up all varieties of religion and surrender to Him alone. He promises freedom from all sinful reactions: do not fear.
- Prabhupāda explains that we need not become free from sin before surrendering. Surrender to Kṛṣṇa itself frees us from sinful reactions.
- Surrender to Kṛṣṇa with faith and love. Choose what supports devotional service and trust His protection.
BG 18.67Who Can Understand This Knowledge
Study this verse- This confidential knowledge must not be explained to those who lack austerity, devotion, or devotional service, or who envy Kṛṣṇa.
- Prabhupāda explains that discipline alone is not enough: without active devotion, one cannot understand Kṛṣṇa.
- Learn from a pure devotee, and avoid commentaries by those who envy Kṛṣṇa and explain Bhagavad-gītā for business.
BG 18.68Sharing Bhagavad-gītā with Devotees
Study this verse- One who explains this supreme secret to devotees is guaranteed pure devotional service and will return to Kṛṣṇa.
- Prabhupāda explains that sincerely presenting Bhagavad-gītā as it is leads to pure devotion and a return to Godhead.
- Explain Bhagavad-gītā faithfully to those ready to accept Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
BG 18.69The Dearest Servant
Study this verse- The verse says that no servant in this world is more dear to Me than this servant.
- “Dear to Me” shows how deeply this servant is loved.
- No servant will ever be more dear in the future.
BG 18.70Worship Through Study
Study this verse- The verse declares that one who studies this sacred conversation worships Him.
- This study is worship offered through one’s intelligence.
- Study this sacred conversation as an act of worship.
BG 18.71Hearing with Faith
Study this verse- Those who listen with faith and without envy become free from sinful reactions and reach auspicious planets where the pious live.
- Prabhupāda explains that even nondevotees who have faith in Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Lord and no envy can gain this benefit by hearing from a genuine devotee.
- Hear Bhagavad-gītā from a genuine devotee with faith and without envy toward Kṛṣṇa.
BG 18.72Hearing with an Attentive Mind
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa asks Arjuna whether he has listened attentively and whether his ignorance and illusions are gone.
- Prabhupāda explains that hearing Bhagavad-gītā from Kṛṣṇa or His bona fide spiritual representative removes ignorance and brings liberation.
- Listen attentively to Bhagavad-gītā from a bona fide spiritual master.
BG 18.73Ready to Follow Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- By Kṛṣṇa’s mercy, Arjuna’s illusion and doubts are gone, his memory is restored, and he is ready to follow Kṛṣṇa’s instructions.
- Prabhupāda explains that every living being is Kṛṣṇa’s eternal servant. Freedom from illusion means understanding Kṛṣṇa and agreeing to follow His orders.
- Study Bhagavad-gītā to understand Kṛṣṇa and learn to act according to His instructions.
BG 18.74A Wonderful Conversation
Study this verse- Sañjaya heard Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna’s wonderful conversation, and his hair stood on end.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, spoke about Himself and His energies to Arjuna, His great devotee.
- Follow Arjuna’s example in understanding Kṛṣṇa to make your life happy and successful.
BG 18.75Hearing Kṛṣṇa Through His Representative
Study this verse- By Vyāsa’s mercy, Sañjaya heard Kṛṣṇa, the master of all mysticism, speak the most confidential teachings to Arjuna.
- Prabhupāda explains that hearing through a genuine spiritual master in the disciplic succession is direct hearing from Kṛṣṇa.
- Learn Bhagavad-gītā through a genuine spiritual master and follow Kṛṣṇa’s instruction to surrender to Him.
BG 18.76Joy in Remembering Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- The speaker feels thrilled at every moment as he recalls the holy dialogue between Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa consciousness brings growing spiritual understanding and joy at every moment.
- Hear the Gītā from the right source—directly from Kṛṣṇa—to attain full Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
BG 18.77Remembering Kṛṣṇa’s Wonderful Form
Study this verse- Sañjaya remembers Lord Kṛṣṇa’s wonderful form with growing wonder and repeated joy.
- Prabhupāda explains that, by Vyāsa’s grace, Sañjaya could also see the universal form Kṛṣṇa showed to Arjuna.
- Remembering Kṛṣṇa’s wonderful form can bring joy, as it did for Sañjaya.
BG 18.78Victory and Surrender to Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Wherever Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna are present, there will certainly be wealth, victory, extraordinary power, and morality.
- Prabhupāda explains that full surrender to Kṛṣṇa is the highest perfection and the essence of the Gītā’s teachings.
- Use your independence to follow Kṛṣṇa’s instructions and serve Him with devotion.
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Stories
The Mahābhārata background, and stories Prabhupāda tells in his purports. Tap one to read it.