Conclusion of Bhagavad-gītā - Surrender to Kṛṣṇa
The Bhagavad-gītā is not merely a book of ethics or dry philosophy; it is a direct call to action. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that after reading this great scripture, one must promptly arrive at the final conclusion: to reject all material and ritualistic engagements and surrender fully to Lord Kṛṣṇa. This article examines the singularity of this conclusion, the necessity of accepting it without speculation, and the spiritual success guaranteed to those who follow it.
Essence of Instruction
The entirety of the Bhagavad-gītā directs the living entity toward Kṛṣṇa consciousness. While the text discusses various paths such as karma-yoga, jñāna-yoga, and dhyāna-yoga, the ultimate instruction is given in the Eighteenth Chapter: sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja. This instruction to surrender is the unchanging verdict of the Supreme Lord.
- After reading Bhagavad-gita one should promptly come to the conclusion of Bhagavad-gita: one should give up all other engagements and adopt the service of the Supreme Lord, Krsna, the Personality of Godhead.
- The entire Bhagavad-gita is directed toward this conclusion (act in Krsna consciousness). Any other conclusions, against this consciousness and its attendant reactions, are vikarmas, or prohibitive actions.
Topmost Yoga
The conclusion of the Bhagavad-gītā is not limited to the final chapter. Even in the Sixth Chapter, which discusses aṣṭāṅga-yoga, Kṛṣṇa concludes that the yogī who thinks of Him within the heart is the topmost. This confirms that bhakti-yoga is the ultimate goal of all spiritual practices.
- The bhakti-yoga system is authorized, and if you want to know about God, then you have to adopt this bhakti-yoga system because in the Sixth Chapter of Bhagavad-gita it is concluded that the topmost yogi is he who is always thinking of Krsna within himself.
- Krsna says at the conclusion of BG (18.55), 'bhaktya mam abhijanati: if one actually wants to understand Krsna and one's relationship with Him, one must take to this process of bhakti-yoga. Bhakti-yoga as explained by Lord Kapiladeva is sankhya-yoga.
Preaching the Conclusion
Because the conclusion of the Gītā is so clear, those who distort it are severely criticized by Śrīla Prabhupāda. A true guru is one who repeats Kṛṣṇa's message without change. Conversely, one who preaches this message of surrender becomes very dear to the Lord.
- One who teaches other conclusion from that of the Bhagavad-gita and the succession of acaryas is certainly not a guru, and in fact according to Lord Krsna, he is a fool, - the word Krsna uses is mudha, ass, rascal.
- In Bhagavad-gita it is clearly stated that persons who are trying to elevate the condition of the fallen souls by preaching the conclusion of Bhagavad-gita - namely, full surrender unto the Personality of Godhead - are very dear to Him.
Victory Guaranteed
The Bhagavad-gītā ends with a prophetic declaration by Sañjaya. He concludes that wherever there is Kṛṣṇa, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer (representing the surrendered devotee), there will undoubtedly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality.
Conclusion
The conclusion of the Bhagavad-gītā is a challenge to the conditioned soul to give up their independence and accept the supremacy of Kṛṣṇa. By doing so, one aligns themselves with the Absolute Truth, ensuring that their life becomes a victory over the cycle of birth and death.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Conclusion of the Bhagavad-gita. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.
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