In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna demonstrates a remarkable blend of both universality and specificity. Universality in analyzing for Arjuna a broad gamut of paths to choose from. Specificity in staying focused on the task at hand: ensuring that dharma (social order) is protected by inspiring Arjuna to do his duty of fighting against the enemies of dharma. 

Overall, Krishna outlines a broad gamut of paths ranging from karma-yoga, dhyana-yoga, jnana-yoga to bhakti-yoga. Among these paths, dhyana-yoga and jnana-yoga involve renouncing the world, which would prevent Arjuna from doing his duty of fighting. Therefore, Krishna stresses the qualities a candidate for renunciation needs to have (06.03-08), if their renunciation is to actually help them evolve further spiritually. Even if Arjuna is qualified for renunciation, Krishna reminds Arjuna that he can do better service to society by setting an example of detached dutifulness, for that is the path best suited for most people (03.20-26). Thus, if Arjuna chooses either dhyana-yoga or jnana-yoga, Krishna recommends that he practice them at their pre-renunciation levels, for personal authenticity, social stability or both. 

The paths of karma-yoga and bhakti-yoga involve engaging with the world; therefore, Krishna stresses these paths more (karma-yoga in chapters 1-6 and bhakti-yoga in chapters 7-12). While describing karma-yoga, Krishna explains how Arjuna can maintain internal detachment while doing duty externally, thus staying free from karmic entanglement, which was Arjuna’s major starting concern (01.32-34). And while describing bhakti-yoga, Krishna explains to Arjuna how offering the fruits of his work, and even his work itself, to the Divine will not just keep him disentangled; it will also liberate Arjuna from material existence, which is life’s ultimate purpose. Hence, Krishna’s concluding, ringing endorsement of bhakti-yoga (18.66).

One-sentence summary: 

Krishna is universal in analyzing various paths in the Gita and specific in focusing on the protection of dharma by inspiring Arjuna to do his duty. 

Think it over: 

  • How is Krishna both specific and universal in the Gita?
  • What is Krishna’s focus when explaining dhyana-yoga and jnana-yoga to Arjuna?
  • What is Krishna’s focus when explaining karma-yoga and bhakti-yoga to Arjuna?

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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.

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