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Chapter 7 · Knowledge of the Absolute · 30 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps
  1. 1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
  2. 2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
  3. 3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
  4. 4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
  5. 5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
  6. 6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.
Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›
Bhakti & surrenderChapter 7 · Knowledge of the Absolute
7.177.19

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 7.18

Types of devotees and mature surrender

Īśvara · God

उदारा: सर्व एवैते ज्ञानी त्वात्मैव मे मतम् ।

आस्थित: स हि युक्तात्मा मामेवानुत्तमां गतिम् ॥ १८ ॥

udārāḥ sarva evaite

jñānī tv ātmaiva me matam

āsthitaḥ sa hi yuktātmā

mām evānuttamāṁ gatim

Translation

All these devotees are undoubtedly magnanimous souls, but he who is situated in knowledge of Me I consider to be just like My own self. Being engaged in My transcendental service, he is sure to attain Me, the highest and most perfect goal.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

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

3 study points

Dear to the Lord

  1. 1

    All these devotees are great souls, but the Lord considers one who knows Him like His own self. Through service, this devotee surely attains Him, the highest goal.

  2. 2

    Prabhupāda explains that all devotees are dear to the Lord, but one whose only purpose is loving service is especially dear to Him.

  3. 3

    Try to serve the Lord with love and devotion, rather than seeking material benefits.

Key points from the purport

Wise is the best, but, all are mahatma/magnanimous, because, “all come to Him for fulfillment of desires”

a

All are magnanimous because anyone who comes to the Lord for any purpose is called a Mahatma or great soul

b

Devotees wanting some benefit out of devotional service are accepted by the Lord — Because there is an exchange of affection

c

Devotee in full knowledge is very dear to the Lord — Because his only purpose is to serve the Supreme Lord with love and devotion

Cannot live a second without serving the Supreme Lord

Supreme Lord is very fond of his devotee and cannot be separated from him

Ref. SB 9.4.68: “sadhavo hrdayam...”

d

Conclusion of 7.17 — 7.18: Intimate relationship between Krishna and pure devotees

The devotees are always in My heart and I am always in their heart

Devotee does not know anything beyond Me and I cannot forget the devotee

Connected verses · 2

Texts 7.17 & 7.18

After hearing Text 7.17 one may conclude that the three karma-

mishra-bhaktas are insignificant and only a jnani is important. Anticipating this, Krishna speaks Text 7.18

Texts 7.18 & 7.19

After many life-times one comes to the level of full knowledge that Supreme Personality of Godhead is the ultimate goal of spiritual realization

Further reading

The Impious Never Surrender, Pious Do

Four kinds of men never surrender and four kinds of men do surrender

Of those who surrender, the Jnani with no material desire is best but rare

Chapter 7, section IV: The Impious Never Surrender, Pious Do
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. udārāḥmagnanimous
  2. sarveall
  3. evacertainly
  4. etethese
  5. jñānīone who is in knowledge
  6. tubut
  7. ātmā evajust like Myself
  8. meMy
3

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: bhakti, śaraṇāgati.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 7.18 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to bhakti & surrender?

Practice

Offer one act today with devotion.

5

Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

BG 7.15Types of devotees and mature surrenderBG 7.16Types of devotees and mature surrenderBG 3.30Offer every action to KrishnaBG 6.47The highest yogi is devoted
Live this todayKnowing Kṛṣṇa and SurrenderingA practice from BG 7.19, close to this verse

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

  1. Learn
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