Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 56

English Translation

Ever engaging even in all actions, one to whom I am the refuge, attains the eternal, immutable State through My grace.

Detailed Commentary

**18.56** **Explanation:** *Madvyapāśrayaḥ* — One should not seek refuge in actions and their results, or in events. Only My refuge (support) should be sought. One who dwells entirely in Me, considers oneself not independent, claims nothing as one's own, and depends solely on Me, that person does not need to do anything for their liberation. I Myself bring about their liberation (Gita 12.7). They experience no lack regarding sustenance or resources; I provide for everything (Gita 9.22). This is My eternal rule, which can be attained by every individual who takes refuge in Me (Gita 9.30 - 32). *Sarvakarmāṇyapi sadā kurvāṇaḥ* — Here, the words *sarva* (all) with *karmas* (actions) and *sadā* (always) with *kurvāṇaḥ* (performing) signify that the status attained by a *dhyānayogī* who has controlled body, speech, and mind, and remains absorbed in *dhyānayoga* in solitude, the same status is attained by My devotee, who takes refuge in Me, even while performing all the obligatory duties of the world, by My grace. It is easy to understand that one who is absorbed in meditation attains auspiciousness (welfare), but how one who performs all worldly actions like a machine can attain auspiciousness is not easily grasped. Everyone performs actions, but not everyone's welfare is seen, nor do the scriptures state this. In response to this, the Lord says: *Matprasādāt* (by My grace). The meaning is that one who has taken refuge in Me, their welfare will be achieved by My grace. The Lord's affinity and grace are upon everyone, but as long as a human being takes refuge in the unreal *samsāra* (world) and turns away from the Lord, His grace does not manifest. As a person increasingly takes refuge in the Lord, so too does the experience of grace grow. When one completely takes refuge in the Lord, they experience the full manifestation of grace. *Avāpnoti śāśvataṁ padamavyayam* — The attainment of the Supreme State (*Param Padam*) itself does not come through actions (*karmas*), self-effort (*puruṣārtha*), or means (*sādhanas*). It happens only by grace. The eternal, immutable state (*śāśvata avyaya padam*) is the most supreme. In the path of Bhakti (devotion), it is called *Paramdhāma*, *Satyaloka*, *Vaikuṇṭhaloka*, *Goloka*, *Sāketaloka*, etc., and in the path of Jñāna (knowledge), it is called *Videha-Kaivalya*, *Mukti* (liberation), *Svarūpasthiti* (abiding in one's true Self), etc. This Supreme State, though essentially one, is spoken of differently due to the distinctions in paths and forms of worship (Gita 8.21, 14.27). The Lord's realm (*Loka*), though seemingly in a particular region, is universally pervasive and complete everywhere. Where the Lord is, there is also His realm, because the Lord and His realm are essentially one. When the devotee's singular devotion (*ananya niṣṭhā*) is perfected, the absence of limitation (*paricchinnatā*) occurs, and that very realm reveals itself to them; that is, they begin to experience the divine pastimes (*līlās*) of that realm while still alive. However, for one whose conception is that the divine realm exists only in a particular region, they attain that realm after relinquishing the body. To receive them, the Lord's associates (*pārṣadas*) come, and sometimes the Lord Himself also comes. **Connection:** After explaining the general principle in the previous verse, the Lord now gives a specific command to Arjuna in the following verse.