Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7, Verse 2

English Translation

I shall tell you in detail of this Knowledge which is combined with realization, [From the statement, 'jnasyasi, you will know', in the earlier verse, one may conclude that the Lord is speaking of indirect or theoretical knowledge. The word 'idam, this' rules out such a conclusion; and it has also been said that this Knowledge is 'savijnanam, combined with direct experienece, realization'; it is Consciousness.] after experience which there remains nothing else here to be known again.

Detailed Commentary

।।7.2।। **Explanation** -- 'ज्ञानं तेऽहं सविज्ञानमिदं वक्ष्याम्यशेषतः' -- The Lord says, Arjuna! Now I shall declare to you in full this knowledge (Jñāna), together with its spiritual realization (Vijñāna). Knowing this, nothing will remain incomplete. Ordinary people hear about My nature from Gurus and benefit, but I Myself am explaining it to you, because I alone can describe My nature well. Others can only describe it after hearing and pondering with their intellect. Their intellect is limited, but I am eternally established in knowledge. Ignorance has never been in Me, nor can it be. Therefore, I will describe that essential truth (Tattva) to you, after knowing which nothing will remain. In the Tenth Chapter, Arjuna says that You can explain all Your Glories (Vibhutis), but the Lord says that My expanse is limitless, therefore I will explain the main ones. Here the Lord says that I will explain complete knowledge along with spiritual realization. This means that I will speak from the essential truth (Tattva), and after understanding that truth, nothing more will remain to be known. The Lord's glories (Vibhutis) and Yoga have no end. This means that the Lord's power is endless. It is also stated in Ramcharitmanas that the Lord's influence is immeasurable. Knowing the essential truth (Tattva) of the Lord is simple, just as gold is the one essential truth of golden ornaments. Similarly, the essential truth of all the Supreme Being's (Paramatma) glories (Vibhutis) is one. Upon knowing that truth, our understanding becomes complete, just as drinking water quenches thirst, though water itself is endless. In the Tenth Chapter, the Lord has said that even Devas (celestial beings) and great Sages (Maharshis) do not know My origin. But one who knows Me as unborn (Aja) and beginningless (Anadi) becomes undeluded (Asammūḍha) and is freed from sins. In Jñāna Yoga (the path of knowledge), understanding is primary, and in Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), acceptance is primary. Right acceptance is firm; no one can shake it. If the belief that the world is useful is abandoned, one can become a Jñani (knower). In the path of devotion, acceptance is main, just as the Lord told Arjuna to accept this teaching. In the path of devotion, one knows by accepting, and in the path of knowledge, one accepts by knowing. Upon perfection, both become one. The world originates from the Lord and merges into Him; this is 'Jñāna' (knowledge). There is nothing separate from the Lord; everything is the Lord Himself; this is 'Vijñāna' (spiritual realization). Living beings originate from the Lord's Apara (lower) and Para (higher) Prakriti (nature); this is 'Jñāna'. Everything is pervaded by the Lord Himself; this is 'Vijñāna'. Those who are deluded by the Gunas (modes of nature) take refuge in the Lord and transcend His Māyā. There are four kinds of devotees: Artha-arthi (distressed), Ārta (desirous of wealth), Jijñāsu (seeker of knowledge), and Jñāni (knower). The Jñāni is dear to Me. When the experience "Everything is Vasudeva" is attained, 'Vijñāna' is realized. Those who worship Devas (celestial beings) without accepting the Lord receive temporary fruits. Those who take refuge in the Lord attain Him. The Lord is unborn (Aja) and imperishable (Avinashi); those who know Him are undeluded (Asammūḍha). Those who take refuge in the Lord come to know Brahman, Adhyatma, etc.; this is 'Vijñāna'. After gaining knowledge, nothing remains to be known. After knowing that the Lord is everything, knowledge reaches its culmination. **Connection** -- When the Lord said, "I will declare knowledge along with spiritual realization, knowing which nothing will remain," then the question arises, "Why do not all human beings then know that essential truth (Tattva)?" The answer to this is given in the following verse.