Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 66

English Translation

Abandon all varieties of dharma and simply surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sins. Do not grieve.

Detailed Commentary

18.66. Explanation: *Sarvadharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja*—The Lord says, "Abandon all dharmas and take refuge only in Me." Taking *sharaṇāgati* (surrender) to the Lord is the essence of all spiritual practices (*sādhanas*). In this state, the surrendered devotee needs to do nothing, just as a chaste wife (*pativratā strī*) dedicates all her actions to her husband. According to the Bhagavad Gītā, the word *dharma* here refers to one's obligatory duties (*kartavya karma*). This means that the rejection of *dharma* is not right. The Lord Himself did not ask Arjuna to abandon his duties. The Lord stated that *yajña* (sacrifice), *dāna* (charity), *tapa* (austerity), and one's duties should never be abandoned. Arjuna's life is an example that one should leave the decision regarding one's duties (*kartavya karma*) to the Lord. To fulfill one's duties by surrendering to the Lord should be our top priority; this is the true meaning of *sarvadharmān parityajya*. *Mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja*—this phrase means to take refuge only in the Lord. When we surrender to the Lord, all our sins (*pāpas*) are removed; this is the Lord's promise. The essence of all forms of devotion (*bhakti*) is surrender (*śaraṇāgati*) to the Lord. Therefore, the surrendered devotee should only focus on their intrinsic connection and sense of belonging with the Lord. *Ahaṁ tvā sarvapāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ*—this means that the Lord will liberate us from all our sins. The surrendered devotee should not worry, for by the grace (*kṛpā*) of the Lord, all imperfections (*doṣas*) will be removed. True *śaraṇāgati* means understanding that the Lord is ours, and we are His. This feeling of belonging makes us fearless (*nirbhaya*), griefless (*niḥśoka*), and free from anxiety (*niścita*). Love for the Lord liberates us from all types of bondage (*bandhanas*). When we surrender, the Lord considers all our flaws (*doṣas*) as His responsibility and resolves them. Therefore, the devotee should simply remain in the Lord's refuge, experience His love and grace (*anugraha*), and consider themselves to be the Lord's responsibility.