Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 74

English Translation

Sanjaya said I thus heard this conversation of Vasudeva and of the great-souled Partha, which is unie and makes one's hair stand on end.

Detailed Commentary

।।18.74।। Explication – *Ityahaṁ Vāsudevasya Pārthasya ca Mahātmanaḥ* – Sañjaya says, “Thus have I heard the dialogue between Bhagavān Vāsudeva and the great-souled Arjuna, which is most wondrous and delightful.” The word *iti* signifies that Sañjaya commenced the Gitā, which is the dialogue between Shri Krishna and Arjuna, from the twentieth verse of the first chapter, and here, with the word *iti*, that dialogue concludes. The epithet *Mahātmā* for Arjuna means that Arjuna is such a great person whose command is obeyed by Bhagavān Himself. When Arjuna says, “O Acyuta, place my chariot between the two armies,” Bhagavān places the chariot. Wherever Arjuna asks questions in the Gitā, Bhagavān answers with great affection and detail. Thus, I heard the dialogue between the great-souled Arjuna and Bhagavān Vāsudeva. *Saṁvādamimamashrausham adbhutaṁ romaharṣaṇam* – The wondrous and thrilling aspect of this dialogue is that the scriptures often state that only by retiring from the world can a human being walk on the path of ultimate truth and attain welfare. Among common people, there is also a notion that only by abandoning home and family and becoming a *sannyāsī* can one attain liberation. However, the Gitā states that in any circumstance, no matter how it may be, a human being can attain welfare. Whether that circumstance is the best or the worst, peaceful or busy, even in a war-like situation, liberation can be attained. The reason is that attachment to the world (*saṁsāra*) is the sole cause of the bondage of birth and death. To eradicate that attachment (*rāga*), one must make proper use of the circumstance. The person who performs their duty without attachment or aversion (*rāga-dveṣa*) in any circumstance attains liberation joyfully. This is the wondrousness of this dialogue. Bhagavān Himself incarnating and acting like a human, and uttering the secret mystery, “Take refuge in Me,” this is what makes the dialogue thrilling, pleasing, and delightful. Connection – A true seeker on the path of ultimate truth expresses gratitude to anyone from whom they benefit. Therefore, Sañjaya also expresses his gratitude to Vyāsajī in the following three verses.