Sankara in his commentary here very strongly combats the opinion of those who hold that highest spiritual realisation (Jnana) and ritualistic work (Karma) may go together in the same person. For Karma is possible only in the relative world (Samsara), which is the outcome of ignorance; and knowledge dispels this ignorance. So neither the conjunction of Jnana with Karma, nor Karma alone conduces to the absolute cessation of Samsara, but it is only the Right Knowledge of the Self which does so.

^399:67 This--Shastra which has been taught to you.

Service--to the Guru; also means,--to one who does not wish to hear.

^399:68 Teach--in the faith that he is thus doing service to the Lord, the Supreme Teacher.

Doubtless: or, freed from doubts.

^400:69 He: who hands down the Shastra to a fit person.

^400:70 Yajna of knowledge: A Yajna can be performed in four ways, such as (1) Vidhi or ritual, (2). Japa, (3) Upamsu, or a prayer uttered, in a low voice, or (4) Manasa or prayer offered with the mind. Jnana-yajna or the Yajna of knowledge comes under the head of Manasa, and is therefore the highest.

The study of the Gita will produce an effect equal to that of the Yajna of knowledge.

^401:71 Even that man: much more so he who understands the doctrine.

^402:73 Memory--of the true nature of the Self.

Firm--in Thy command.

The purpose of the knowledge of the Shastras is the destruction of doubts and delusions, and the recognition of the true nature of the Self. Here, the answer of Arjuna conclusively shows, that that purpose has been fulfilled in him.

The teaching of the Shastra is over here. The rest is only to connect it with the main narrative.

^403:75 Through . . . Vyasa: by obtaining from him the Divya-chakshu or divine vision.

^404:76 King: Dhritarashtra.

^404:77 Form: Vishvarupa, the Universal Form.

^405:78 The bow--called the Gandiva.

THE GREATNESS OF THE GITA

Salutation to Sri Ganesha!

Salutation to Sri Radharamana! [**]

Dhara (the Earth) said:

1. O Blessed Lord, O Supreme Ruler, how may one, who is held back by his Prarabdha Karma, obtain unswerving devotion?

The Lord Vishnu said:

2. If one be devoted to the constant practice of the Gita, even though he be restrained by Prarabdha Karma, yet is he Mukta, happy, in this very world. lie is not tainted by (new) Karma.

3. No evil, however great, can affect him who meditates on the Gita. He is like the lotus leaf untouched by the water.

4-5. Where there is the book of the Gita, where its study is proceeded with, there are present all the holy places, there verily, are Prayaga and the rest. There also are all the Devas, Rishis, Yogins, and Pannagas, so also the Gopalas and Gopikas, with Narada, Uddhava and their whole train of comrades.