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Chapter 18 · The Perfection of Renunciation · 78 verses

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Bhakti & surrenderChapter 18 · The Perfection of Renunciation

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 18.54

Purification, realization and knowing Krishna by bhakti

ब्रह्मभूत: प्रसन्नात्मा न शोचति न काङ्क्षति ।

सम: सर्वेषु भूतेषु मद्भ‍‍क्तिं लभते पराम् ॥ ५४ ॥

brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā

na śocati na kāṅkṣati

samaḥ sarveṣu bhūteṣu

mad-bhaktiṁ labhate parām

Translation

One who is thus transcendentally situated at once realizes the Supreme Brahman and becomes fully joyful. He never laments or desires to have anything. He is equally disposed toward every living entity. In that state he attains pure devotional service unto Me.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
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Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

Joy in Pure Devotion

  1. 1One who realizes the Supreme Brahman is fully joyful, free from grief and desire, equal toward all beings, and attains pure devotional service.
  2. 2Prabhupāda explains that a pure devotee is already liberated and feels complete and joyful in Kṛṣṇa’s service.
  3. 3See every living being as part of the Supreme Lord, rather than judging anyone as higher or lower by temporary position.

Where we are

In the story

Chapter 18, The Perfection of Renunciation: purification, realization and knowing krishna by bhakti.

What it teaches

Theme summary

Loving service and surrender to Kṛṣṇa.

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Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Liberation

The Brahman-realized person becomes joyful and can attain pure devotion.

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Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 18.54 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to bhakti & surrender?

Practice

Offer one act today with devotion.

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Related verses

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Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.

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