Chapter 18: Moksha-sannyasa-yoga: / Verse 59

Krishna is removing the various layers covering the ultimate truth. Yes, he is uncovering the inner personality of the human. As for hardships and sufferings, each of them is caused by the Supreme, which has brought the world into existence.

By resting on the Supreme alone one can surmount all challenges and persecutions. As are the obstacles, so also is the artful way of surmounting them; it takes place with the grace of the Supreme, within its own domain. Do not doubt.

Krishna warns: Due to ego, if Arjuna does not heed his words, then Arjuna, like any other, is bound to perish. Krishna further adds: “As you sought redress from me, I am instructing you on the truth of life and matters related to it. If in responding, you show resistance, then Nature will ruin you.

“Surely, in distress as you are, you want me to redress the plight. When I heartily tell you what you need, accept and act upon it. Otherwise you will no doubt be in peril.” How affectionately, but firmly, does Krishna speak, like a devout teacher!

Krishna clarifies further: “Your resistance and dislike, Arjuna, are meaningless, irrelevant. For, everyone is born with his nature. And that strongly binds him. It is true you have a measure of freedom. But it has to be rightly applied. One can move only in a very tiny circle, within the huge circle of creation and the Supreme.”

What is the true nature of human will-power then? It is like a cow walking freely around a peg to which she is tied with a rope. She can go around, but only to the extent the rope on her neck permits.

Without understanding this, if one begins to gloat over the freedom and ingenuity he has, it will be too puerile. He will only be led to sheer downfall!