As Krishna approaches the conclusion of his message (18.63-72), he respects Arjuna’s independence by leaving the final decision to him (18.63). Yet he soon makes a call for surrender (18.66). Does this call override the independence Krishna gave Arjuna earlier? Not at all. 

To reconcile these two paradoxical statements, let’s consider two things. 

The effect on Arjuna of Krishna’s call to decide: Krishna’s call places the onus on Arjuna to discern the essential, actionable conclusion of the Gita’s message. Arjuna finds this task difficult because Krishna has analyzed multiple paths from multiple perspectives and for multiple levels of seekers. Thus, toward the end of the Gita, Arjuna is perplexed, just as he was at the start of the Gita: then, he didn’t know what to do; now, he doesn’t know what Krishna wants him to do. 

Seeing Arjuna perplexed, Krishna’s heart overflows with compassion and he declares that he will clearly repeat his most confidential message (18.64). He then issues the call for wholehearted bhakti practice (18.65) that he has made earlier (09.34). And finally, he urges Arjuna to surrender to his will (18.66). The surrender Krishna calls for is not in the least like that of a defeated military general reluctantly raising the white flag; it is the voluntary and loving harmonization by a lover with the will of the beloved. 

The nature of love: When we love someone, we respect their independence and don’t force them to do our will. Krishna shows such respect in 18.63. Simultaneously, if we truly love them, we don’t leave them hanging in confusion about what we would like them to do; we clearly tell that to them, especially if they earnestly want to know. Krishna gives such clear guidance in 18.65-66. Thus, both statements express different sides of his love for Arjuna. 

One-sentence summary:

Krishna’s love for Arjuna is all-round: he respects Arjuna’s independence and fulfills Arjuna’s need for guidance. 

Think it over:

  • What is paradoxical about Krishna’s concluding statements?
  • How is this paradox resolved by understanding Arjuna’s concerns?
  • How is this paradox resolved by understanding the nature of love?

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18.66: Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.

Does Krishna contradict himself in the Gita’s conclusion?

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