Freed from attachment, fear, and anger, many have attained my nature through knowledge and penance, having taken shelter in me.
Krishna points to those who have reached his divine state through dedication and inner purification. This emphasizes that attaining his state is not a privilege but an achievable goal for those who conquer fear, anger, and attachment, showcasing the path of inner discipline and self-realization.
As all surrender unto me, I reward them accordingly. Everyone follows my path in all respects, O Partha.
Krishna declares that he reciprocates the devotion shown to him. This insight into divine reciprocation establishes that spiritual progress is individualized and that one’s approach to the divine is unique, yet ultimately leads back to Krishna, reinforcing the personal nature of the divine relationship.
Those desiring success in their actions in this world worship the gods, for success born of actions is quickly attained.
Krishna observes that some seek material success through worship, emphasizing that worldly accomplishments are temporary. This foreshadows the greater rewards of spiritual pursuit and suggests that while material gains are real, they lack the permanence and fulfillment found in Krishna’s path.
The four divisions of society were created by me according to the differentiation of guna and karma; though I am their creator, know me to be immutable.
By explaining the division of society into four varnas based on guna and karma, Krishna stresses that social roles are divine creations meant for order. He distances himself from the karma-driven outcomes of these roles, implying that one’s duty should be performed without attachment to results.
Actions do not taint me, nor do I desire their results. One who knows me in this way is not bound by karma.
Krishna clarifies that actions do not bind him, implying that liberation from karma is possible by surrendering to divine will. This reinforces the idea that actions, when done without personal motive, free one from entanglement in material consequences, paving the way for spiritual freedom.
Knowing this, the ancient seekers of liberation also performed actions. Therefore, you should perform actions as were done by those ancients.
Krishna encourages Arjuna to follow the path of prior seekers. By drawing on historical examples, he stresses that the journey towards liberation is well-trodden, offering Arjuna both precedent and reassurance in facing his current moral dilemmas, grounding him in a legacy of spiritual tradition.
What is action? What is inaction? Even the wise are confused about this. I shall explain, knowing which you will be freed from inauspiciousness.
Krishna addresses the complexity of action and inaction, indicating that true knowledge is needed to discern them. This foreshadows deeper teachings on karma yoga, as Krishna prepares Arjuna to perform duties without attachment, offering liberation from the confusion surrounding moral actions.