In the last verse that Krishna speaks in the Bhagavad-gita (18.72), Krishna asks Arjuna two questions: Has he heard attentively? And has his illusion been dispelled?
His first question reveals his awareness of Arjuna’s cognitive condition. Before Krishna started speaking the Gita, Arjuna was so emotionally overwrought that he couldn’t even hold on to his bow (01.29). Such a distraught condition would have made it difficult for Arjuna to concentrate on a philosophically demanding discourse. Though Arjuna’s many pertinent questions throughout the Gita indicated that he had been hearing attentively, Krishna was nonetheless concerned that Arjuna might have missed some important points. Hence Krishna’s question, which is asked not in a mood of condemnation (“Were you not listening to me?”), but in a mood of consideration (“Was it difficult to focus on what I was saying?”).
Krishna’s second question reveals his commitment to free Arjuna from illusion. Krishna has earlier stated that learning from spiritual teachers (04.34) will free one from illusion (04.35). Since Arjuna has accepted Krishna as his spiritual master (02.07), Krishna is committed to providing the knowledge that will remove Arjuna’s illusion. Though Arjuna has stated earlier that his illusion has been dispelled (11.01), Krishna is cross-checking to ensure that their subsequent discussion has deepened Arjuna’s conviction, not caused any confusion.
If Arjuna’s answer to either question is negative, Krishna is ready to repeat any or all of his points. Such is his love for Arjuna. He wants to do everything possible to enrich his dear friend with the supreme wealth of Gita wisdom. Hence, Krishna’s last word refers to Arjuna by his specific name as the winner of wealth (Dhananjaya). His implication is: just as you have won many outer battles to gain wealth, have you won the inner battle against illusion to gain the supreme wealth of timeless spiritual knowledge?
One-sentence summary:
Krishna’s last verse reveals his concern for Arjuna and his commitment to do whatever is necessary for enlightening Arjuna.
Think it over:
- What does Krishna’s first question signify?
- What does Krishna’s second question signify?
- What does Krishna’s last word signify?
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18.72: O son of Prutha, O conqueror of wealth, have you heard this with an attentive mind? And are your ignorance and illusions now dispelled?
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