Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 55

English Translation

Through devotion he knows Me in reality, as to what and who I am. Then, having known Me in truth, he enters (into Me) immediately after that (Knowledge).

Detailed Commentary

।।18.55।। Interpretation -- _Bhaktyā mām abhijānāti_ -- When there is love for the Paramātmā, the Sādhaka completely surrenders to the Paramātmā and identifies with that essence. Not even a subtle trace of ego remains. In this way, he attains Bhakti in the form of love and gains true knowledge of the Paramātmā. In the state of _Brahmabhāva_, the connection with the world is severed, but a subtle ego of 'I am Brahman,' 'I am peaceful' remains. As long as this ego persists, limitation and dependence endure. This ego is eradicated by being drawn towards the Paramātmā and through Parābhakti. Only upon its dissolution does the true understanding of the essence arise. _Yāvān_ -- At the beginning of the Seventh Chapter, Bhagavan told Arjuna to know Him in His entirety. One whose mind is fixed on Bhagavan and who takes refuge in Him, knows Bhagavan in His complete form. These _jñānīs_ take refuge in Bhagavan to attain liberation from old age and death, and acquire knowledge of Brahman, Adhyātma, and Karma, along with both _Saguṇa_ and _Nirguṇa_. _Yaśca asmi tattvataḥ_ -- The Paramātmā manifests in many forms and acts with different appearances. He is worshipped in different forms across all traditions, but in reality, the Paramātmā is one. Knowing this _tattvataḥ_ (essentially), the devotee enters the Paramātmā. _Tato māṁ tattvato jñātvā viśate tadanantaram_ -- After knowing the Paramātmā essentially, the devotee becomes one with Him. The feeling of ignorance within him is eradicated, and he enters the essence. This is completeness, and therein lies the meaningfulness of human life. Special Note -- The Jīva's love for the Paramātmā is natural, but by forming a connection with Prakṛti, it moves away from the Paramātmā. Its attraction then turns towards objects, manifesting as _vāsanā_, _spṛhā_, _kāmanā_, etc. However, by separating from Prakṛti, with the aid of Yoga, a person genuinely connects with the Paramātmā through Jñāna, Karma, and Bhakti. Connection -- Earlier, when Arjuna inquired about Saṁnyāsa and Tyāga, Bhagavan described Karma Yoga and then briefly Bhakti Yoga. Bhagavan now begins to describe Bhakti Yoga, predominantly focused on surrender (_śaraṇāgati_).