Chapter 18 Shloka 74
संजय उवाच
इत्यहं वासुदेवस्य पार्थस्य च महात्मन:।
संवादमिममश्रौषमद्भुतं रोमहर्षणम्।।७४।।
Sanjay says to Dhritrashtra:
Thus have I heard this most extraordinary and awesome conversation between Lord Krishna and the noble Arjuna.
Little one, Sanjay is revealing his mind’s innermost thoughts. He is finding this dialogue of the Gita extremely unique because:
1. This conversation shows the accord between life and spirituality.
2. No other scripture explains the qualities so explicitly as the Gita.
3. Never before has an elucidation on the varied states of the individual been depicted so clearly, with the relevant attributes of that state clearly explained.
4. That is, the attributes of every mental state are clearly defined herein.
5. It describes in detail the life of all those who possess divine qualities and those who have attained the Supreme state.
6. The point of view or perspective of the Supreme Purusha is clearly delineated in the Gita.
7. The Gita also explains how extremely simple Adhyatam or the practical essence of spirituality is.
8. This scripture illustrates the universal perspective of one who is devoid of the body idea in the section on the Virat Roop or Cosmic Form of the Lord.
9. The Lord has clearly said in the Gita, that if there is an absence of egoity, all that remains is a divine manifestation of the Supreme.
10. The Lord has explained knowledge along with its scientific application in life.
11. He has explained the method of attaining the state of the gunatit or one who is unaffected by all attributes.
12. He has explained the method whereby one who is immersed in samadhi – a continual absorption in the Self, interacts in the world.
13. The Lord has in fact, explicitly explained the path towards union with the Supreme.
14. He has not negated or criticised the method of spiritual practice or of the worship of another; nor has He ostracised another’s mode of living; nor has He decried anybody as inferior or lauded another as superior.
He has merely shown the path of excellence whilst living an ordinary life.
The Command of the Gita
The Lord has said:
– It is qualities which interact with other qualities, therefore become a gunatit Arjuna!
– Be not affected by these qualities.
– Become indifferent towards yourself.
Thereafter,
1. You will become a sthit pragya.
2. You will remain unaffected by attributes.
3. You will be equipped with the merit of selfless deeds.
4. Your life will be imbued with the spirit of yagya – each act will be a selfless offering at the Lord’s feet.
5. You will become devoid of meum and moha.
6. You will become impartial towards both friend and enemy.
7. You will be devoid of any aberrations and untouched by whatever transpires in life.
Little one, complete indifference towards one’s body, mind and intellect will inevitably mould one into an Atmavaan.
These are the words of the Lord to Arjuna. Many more subjects were discussed which were heard by Sanjay, rendering him wonder-struck.
Sanjay’s reaction upon hearing the Gita
1. He was deeply touched upon hearing this wondrous dialogue.
2. He was overawed and elated on hearing it.
3. He was infinitely grateful for the opportunity of hearing this conversation.
Little one, the Lord has addressed this entire conversation to Arjuna. Look at Sanjay’s amazing good fortune that he, too, was able to hear every word of it. And consider our excellent luck that we, too, are able to partake of this divine dialogue through the phenomenal grace of Shri Vyas!
