Chapter 2: Yoga of Knowledge - Verse 37, 38 & 39

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Apr 9, 2001

After explaining the nature of the Soul Lord Krishna talks about the knowledge that would help him castaway the bondage of Karma.

Verse 37:

"hato va prapsyasi svargam jitva va bhoksyase mahim tasmad uttistha kaunteya yuddhaya krta-niscayah "

(37) O son of Kunti, either you will be killed on the battlefield and attain the heavenly planets, or you will conquer and enjoy the earthly kingdom. Therefore get up and fight with determination.
Explanation: If one is slain in a righteous war, he attains Supreme bliss. By slaying enemies you enjoy kingdom without any obstacles.
By performing ones' duties without attachment to the fruits one attains Supreme bliss. Even though there was no certainty of victory for Arjuna's side, he still had to fight; for, even being killed there, he could be elevated into the heavenly planets.

Verse 38:

"sukha-duhkhe same krtva labhalabhau jayajayau tato yuddhaya yujyasva naivam papam avapsyasi "

(38) Holding pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat alike, grid yourself up for battle. Thus you shall not incur any sin.
Explanation: Knowing the Self to be eternal, different from body and untouched by corporal qualities; and remaining unattached to the fruits of the war, O Arjuna! begin the battle, considering it as your mere duty.
Thus you will not incur sin.

Verse 39:

"esa te 'bhihita sankhye buddhir yoge tv imam srnu buddhya yukto yaya partha karma-bandham prahasyasi "

(39)This Buddhi concerning the Self has been imparted to you. Now listen to this with regard to YOGA, by following which you will get rid of the bondage of Karma.
Explanation: Krishna tells to Arjuna, "Thus far I have declared to you the analytical knowledge of sankhya philosophy. Now listen to the knowledge of yoga whereby one works without fruitive result. O son of Prtha, when you act by such intelligence, you can free yourself from the bondage of works."
Sankya means intellect and the truth about Atman or Soul. Now the Lord explains the glory of works associated with Buddhi. The disposition of mind which is required for performance of works preceded by the knowledge of the Self and which constitutes the means the attaining nirvana, is Yoga.

Sankya means intellect and truth about the Atman. Yoga is the disposition of mind needed to attain nirvana.

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