Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13, Verse 26

English Translation

Others, agian, who do not know thus, take to thinking after hearing from others; they, too, who are devoted to hearing, certainly overcome death.

Detailed Commentary

।।13.26।। Explanation: "And others, not knowing thus... by resorting to the Srutis, overcome death." – Many individuals, though eager for Tattva Prapti (realization of the ultimate Truth), do not comprehend methods like Dhyana Yoga, Sankhya Yoga, Karma Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Laya Yoga, etc. Consequently, they are unable to practice these disciplines. Such people, by following the guidance (Ajna) of Tattvajnani Jivanmukta Mahapurushas (realized, liberated great souls), transcend death, which means they attain Tattvajnana (knowledge of the ultimate Truth). Just as wealth is obtained by obeying a rich person, Tattvajnana is attained by following the guidance of Tattvajnani Mahapurushas. The difference is that a rich person bestows wealth, but by following the guidance of saintly Mahapurushas, being inspired by them, and proceeding with earnestness, one automatically realizes that Paramatma Tattva (Supreme Principle) which is eternally and inherently attained by all. This is because wealth is solely under the control of the wealthy, but the Paramatma Tattva is not under anyone's control. Death arises solely from identification with the physical body (Sharira). Those who become devoted to the guidance of Mahapurushas sever their connection with the body. Therefore, they transcend death, meaning they are liberated from perceiving the death of the body as their own demise. There are three categories of such Shrutiparayana Sadhakas (seekers devoted to scriptural teaching/guidance): 1. If the Sadhaka has no desire for worldly pleasures (samsaric sukha-bhoga), possesses an intense longing for Tattva Prapti, and follows the guidance of realized Mahapurushas, they swiftly attain the Supreme Self (Paramatma). 2. If the Sadhaka has residual desires for worldly pleasures, merely by following the guidance of a Mahapurusha, those desires will be destroyed, leading to the attainment of Paramatma. 3. Even if the Mahapurusha whose guidance the Sadhaka follows is not a realized soul, but the Sadhaka has not even a trace of worldly desire (samsaric ichha) and their sole aim is the attainment of Paramatma, they will attain Paramatma through Divine Grace (Bhagavat Kripa), because Bhagavan already knows them. If, for any reason, a Sadhaka develops a lack of faith (Ashraddha) or a fault-finding perspective (Dosha Drishti) towards a Santa Mahapurusha, they will only perceive faults (Avagunas) in the Mahapurusha, not virtues (Gunas). The reason for this is that Mahapurushas transcend all virtues and faults; thus, in a state of Ashraddha, an individual perceives their own inner state. The nature of one's perception determines one's connection. Perceiving faults connects one to faults. Therefore, a Sadhaka should remain neutral and detached (Tatastha) regarding the actions and conduct of a Tattvajnani Mahapurusha. One can benefit most from a Santa Mahapurusha by maintaining only a spiritual (paramarthic) relationship, free from any worldly interaction (samsaric vyavahara). The Sadhaka should be careful that no criticism (ninda) of that Mahapurusha occurs on their part. If they criticize the Mahapurusha, they will make no progress whatsoever. Connection: The previous verse stated that Shrutiparayana Sadhakas also transcend death. This now raises the question of what is the cause of death, to which Bhagavan provides the answer in the subsequent verse.