Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 63

English Translation

To you has been imparted by Me this knowledge [Derived in the instrumental sense of 'means of knowledge'; i.e. the scripture Gita.] which is moe secret than any secret. Pondering over this as a whole, do as you like.

Detailed Commentary

।।18.63।। Commentary -- "Iti te jñānam ākhyātaṁ guhyād guhyataraṁ mayā" -- With the word 'iti' in the previous śloka, the goal of Bhagavān's surrender (śaraṇāgati) has been indicated. Bhagavān says that I have revealed to you this knowledge, which is more profound (guhyād guhyataraṁ) than the secret (guhya) – the knowledge in the form of surrender. Karma Yoga is secret (guhya), but surrender to the formless Paramātmā is more profound (guhyatara). Bhagavān tells Arjuna to first reflect properly on the teachings concerning Bhakti. Bhagavān has spoken of His Bhakti (śaraṇāgati) in verses fifty-seven and fifty-eight of this chapter, and these should be understood with attention. Bhagavān says that if Arjuna pays special attention to what I have said, he will grasp the true essence and will not turn away from Me. "Yathecchasi tathā kuru" -- Having considered all matters, do as you wish. Bhagavān's intimacy, compassion, and well-wishing nature are evident in this statement. Earlier too, Bhagavān had spoken for Arjuna's welfare, but here His special grace and intimacy shine forth. A devotee cannot bear the abandonment by Bhagavān. Therefore, Bhagavān's words, "Yathecchasi tathā kuru," had a profound impact on Arjuna. Arjuna becomes distressed because, even after lovingly explaining and even admonishing, Bhagavān had to utter such a statement. Without being asked, Bhagavān then utters the most secret (sarvaguhyatama) words to Arjuna in the subsequent ślokas. In the previous śloka, Bhagavān had asked Arjuna to extract the essence of His teachings. However, this was beyond Arjuna's capacity, for the speaker understands the essence of his teachings far better than the listener. Arjuna was dismayed by Bhagavān's words, and in the following ślokas, Bhagavān reassures His beloved friend Arjuna.