As Krishna nears the conclusion of his message, he repeats a verse (18.65) that he has spoken earlier (09.34). Why does Krishna repeat himself? Let’s understand from two perspectives. 

Immediate textual context: Krishna repeats for clarity — he states explicitly in the previous verse (18.64) that he will speak again his most confidential instruction for Arjuna’s benefit because he loves him and wants his supreme welfare. Because of his love for Arjuna; he doesn’t want Arjuna to be lost amid the Gita’s many statements about various paths. Does that mean those Gita statements don’t express Krishna’s love? They do — they express Krishna’s loving willingness to accommodate seekers at various levels in their spiritual evolution, in case Arjuna thinks he is at one of those levels. Simultaneously, Krishna knows Arjuna’s level and wants to therefore unambiguously state the path that he considers the best for Arjuna. 

Overall battlefield context: To understand the repetition in this context, we need to focus on the variation within the repetition. In 09.34, Krishna’s emphasis is on what Arjuna needs to do for attaining him. In 18.65, Krishna’s emphasis is on what he will surely do if Arjuna does his part — that’s why the varying part in this verse states that Krishna is speaking the truth (satyam te) because Arjuna is dear to him (priyo ‘si me). To appreciate the significance of this variation, consider an example. Suppose two people, A and B, are about to sign a deal. Initially, A may emphasize the part B needs to do. But if A is especially eager for the deal, then A will emphasize that they will surely do their part if B just does their part. This shift in focus reveals A’s eagerness for the deal. Similarly, the shift in focus from what Arjuna needs to do in 09.34 to what Krishna will do in 18.65 reveals Krishna’s loving eagerness that Arjuna harmonizes with him. 

One-sentence summary: 

Krishna’s repetition of 09.34 in 18.65 demonstrates his loving desire to provide clarity — and the variation in the repetition demonstrates his loving eagerness. 

Think it over: 

  • How can Krishna’s repetition be understood in the immediate textual context?
  • How is Krishna’s love seen in both his overviewing various paths and his recommending a specific path? 
  • How can Krishna’s repetition be understood in the immediate textual context? 

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18.65: Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.

How Krishna’s love is seen in his repetition — and in the variation in his repetition

To know more about this verse, please click on the image