Scripture

Ahus tvam rishayah sarve devarshir naradas tatha, asito devalo vyasah svayam caiva bravishi me

All the sages, as well as the divine sage Narada, Asita, Devala, and Vyasa, proclaim You as the Supreme, and now You Yourself are telling me the same. Arjuna validates Krishna's divine nature by pointing to the unanimous testimony of great sages — a convergence of inner experience and outer authority.

Rishibhir bahudha gitam cchandobhir vividhaih prithak, brahma-sutra-padaish chaiva hetumadbhir vinishchitaih

This knowledge of the field and its knower has been sung by the sages in various ways, in different Vedic hymns, and in the Brahma-sutra with all its reasonings and conclusions. The wisdom is thus well-established across sacred traditions.

Anye tv evam ajanantah shrutvanyebhya upasate, te 'pi chatitaranty eva mrityum shruti-parayanah

Others, not knowing these paths, worship upon hearing from others. They also cross beyond death, being devoted to what they have heard. Even those who lack direct philosophical knowledge but follow authentic teachings with faith can attain liberation.

Iti guhyatamam shastram idam uktam mayanagha, etad buddhva buddhiman syat krta-krtyash ca bharata

This is the most confidential teaching in all of scripture, O sinless one. Understanding it, a person becomes wise and has accomplished everything worth accomplishing, O Bharata. Krishna closes this chapter by declaring this knowledge of Purushottama the most secret of all scriptural truths — and asserts that true comprehension of it fulfills all purposes of human existence.

Yah shastra-vidhim utsrjya vartate kama-karatah, na sa siddhim avapnoti na sukham na param gatim

One who discards scriptural injunctions and acts according to his own whims attains neither perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme destination. Acting on personal whim and desire alone — without the guidance of scripture — leads only to failure in all three goals: spiritual perfection, lasting happiness, and liberation.

arjuna uvaca: ye sastra-vidhim utsrijya yajante sraddhayanvitah, tesam nistha tu ka krishna sattvam aho rajas tamah

Arjuna asks Krishna about those who worship with faith but without following scriptural injunctions — what is their standing? Are they in sattva, rajas, or tamas? This question opens the chapter's inquiry into the three types of faith.

asastra-vihitam ghoram tapyante ye tapo janah, dambhahankara-samyuktah kama-raga-balanvitah

Those who perform severe austerities not prescribed by scripture, driven by hypocrisy, ego, desire, and passion, are described here as acting against divine wisdom.

vidhi-hinam asrishtannam mantra-hinam adakshinam, sraddha-virahitam yajnam tamasam paricakshate

Sacrifice devoid of scriptural injunction, without food distribution, without sacred chants, without fees to priests, and without faith is declared to be tamasic.