The ninety-three in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India’s most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.
In this talk, continuing with Chapter 18:67, Swamiji concludes his commentary on the Gita. He discusses what Krishna says about who to share these teachings with, and who not to, and talks about the benefits of studying the gita. Sanjaya then wraps up what has gone before in the Gita.
For those wishing to make a deeper study of the Gita, Swamiji’s commentary on the Gita, The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening: A Practical Commentary for Leading a Successful Spiritual Life can be found at Amazon.com.
Here are the Gita verses (18:67–18:78) covered in this talk:
This should not be spoken of by you at any time to one who is without tapasya, nor to one who is not dedicated, nor to one who does not desire to listen, nor to one who speaks evil of (mocks) me. (18:67)
He who with supreme devotion to me teaches this supreme secret unto my devotees shall doubtless come to me. (18:68)
And no one among all men shall do more pleasing service to me, nor shall there be another on the earth dearer to me than he. (18:69)
And he who will study this dharmic dialogue of ours, by him will I have been worshipped through the sacrifice of knowledge; such is my conviction. (18:70)
Even the man who hears this, full of faith and not scoffing, he also, liberated, shall attain the happy worlds of those of righteous deeds. (18:71)
Has this been heard by you with a one-pointed mind? Has the delusion of your ignorance been destroyed? (18:72)
Arjuna said:
My delusion is destroyed, and I have regained my knowledge through your grace; I am firm and my doubts are gone. I will act according to your word. (18:73)
Sanjaya said:
Thus have I heard this wondrous dialogue of Krishna and the great-souled Arjuna, which causes the hair to stand on end. (18:74)
By the grace of Vyasa have I heard this supreme and most secret yoga directly from Krishna, Yoga’s Lord, himself declaring it. (18:75)
O King, remembering again and again this marvelous dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, I rejoice again and again. (18:76)
And remembering again and again that most marvelous form of Krishna, great is my wonder, O King, and I rejoice again and again. (18:77)
Wherever there is Krishna, Yoga’s Lord, wherever is Arjuna the bowman, there will forever be splendor, victory, wealth and righteousness: this is my conviction. (18:78)
Here are the main points from this talk Krishna’a Final Words:
📘 The Gita Is a Living Revelation
- The Bhagavad Gita should be read daily—a chapter a day is manageable and transformative.
- Genuine scripture is ever fresh: it reveals new meanings as our understanding deepens.
- Swamiji first read the Gita in 1960 and still finds it alive and deeply personal:
“I felt as if my true Self was speaking to me.”
🔇 Whom Not to Teach
Krishna warns Arjuna not to share these teachings with:
- Those without tapasya (no spiritual discipline or purification)
- Those not devoted or living contrary to dharmic principles
- Those who do not wish to hear
- Those who mock or speak evil of God
This isn’t punishment—just a warning not to waste sacred energy or provoke attack.
🪷 Whom to Teach—and the Reward
- If you share the Gita’s truths with sincere devotees,
- You are pleasing God more than any other service
- You become dear to God—equal to saints and avatars
- You perform the highest sacrifice of knowledge (Jnana Yajna)
👂 The Power of Hearing with Faith
- Even listening to the Gita with faith and openness leads toward liberation.
- But it must be deep listening—from the heart, not just the ears.
🧠 Krishna’s Final Questions
Krishna asks:
- “Did you listen with one-pointed mind?”
- “Has your ignorance been destroyed?”
👉 Arjuna replies:
“My delusion is gone. I remember now. I will live according to your word.”
🪙 Sanjaya’s Closing Words
Sanjaya (the seer narrating to Dhritarashtra) concludes:
- Hearing the Gita dialogue brought awe and joy again and again.
- He praises Krishna as Yogeshwara (Lord of Yoga) and Arjuna as the ideal seeker.
Wherever the truth of the Gita is lived and taught, there will be:
- Splendor (shri)
- Victory (vijaya)
- Wealth (bhuti)
- Righteousness (dharma)
“This is my firm conviction.”
🕉️ Final Reflection
- The Gita ends not just with teaching, but transformation.
- The path is remembering, not learning.
- Now that truth is known—go and live it.
Below is an audio version of this talk from our Gita Talks Podcast
Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke)
Swami Nirmalananda Giri, founder of Light of the Spirit Monastery, has spent over six decades immersed in the study and practice of Yoga and and the spiritual traditions of East and West. He is the author of more than 30 books on meditation, practical spiritual life and Sanatana Dharma. Learn more »
