CHAPTER 18b: THE YOGA OF LIBERATION THROUGH RENUNCIATION

About renunciation (its threefold nature) and its service with the divisions of society as the ultimate of liberation.

(41) 'Oh chastiser of the enemy, the activities of the intellectuals and priests (brahmins), the rulers and the military (kshatriyas), the traders and farmers (vais'yas) and the servants and laborers (s'ûdras), are divided according to their own natures that originate from the material modes. (42) Equable, self-controlled, austere, pure, tolerant  and surely straight and of knowledge, wisdom and belief in God is the activity of a brahmin born from his own nature. (43) Valor, vigor, determination, resourcefulness in opposition and not fleeing, generous and taking the lead is the occupation born from the nature of a kshatriya. (44) Plowing, tending cows and trade is the natural way of a vais'ya while the nature of a s'ûdra's duty consists of being of service.

(45) Each fulfilling his own duty does man gain in perfection. Now listen how doing ones own job that maturity is attained. (46) From whom all living entities emanated, by whom all this is pervaded; doing his own duties in respect of Him, a man achieves perfection. (47) It is better to be unsuccessful with one's own duty than to perform perfect minding another's business as doing work restricted to one's own nature one will never run into offense. (48) Although faults occur working for a result, oh son of Kuntî, one should never give it up as for sure all beginning is with faults the way fire is covered by smoke. (49) With an unobstructed intelligence in all respect in control of oneself and with the longing gone, one attains the perfection of freedom from reactions by the renounced order.

(50) Understand from Me how in sum, oh son of Kuntî, achieving mastery, without fail the spiritual is achieved; the stage of knowledge that is transcendental. (51-53) With the intelligence completely cleared, connected in ones determination and also regulating oneself with things as sounds, giving up on the objects of the senses and refraining from passion and a negative attitude; living secluded, eating little, with one's speech, mind and body under control, all day in the beyond of meditation having taken to the shelter of detachment; unidentified with the body, physical power, false pride, lust, anger and material accumulation, one, freed from possessiveness in peace qualifies for spiritual realization. (54) Existing spiritually the soul is pleased, one never laments or desires and is one equal to all living beings; one gains the transcendental of My devotional service. (55) Through devotion one can know Me as I really am; knowing Me thus in truth he thereafter reaches. (56) Despite of always performing all kinds of activities, one does, by the mercy of My protection achieve the imperishable eternal abode. (57) Just become aware of Me all day by consciously giving up all kinds of activities under My lead, taking to the shelter of the intelligence of yogic union. (58) Being conscious of Me you will overcome all impediments by My mercy but if, identifying with the body, you do not listen, you will be lost. (59) If, taking to false ego, you think not to fight, then your resolve is all wrong; from your material position you will have to engage. (60) From your own point of view, oh son of Kuntî, caught in your own actions, you prefer not to engage in that which from illusion you will even do involuntarily. (61) The Supreme Master resides in the heart of all living entities, oh Arjuna, directing each creature subjected to the mechanical of time and matter. (62) Be sure to surrender in all respects unto Him, oh son of Bharata; by His grace you will obtain the transcendental abode of eternal peace. (63) Thus the greater secret of confidential knowledge has been explained by Me; in full consideration of this, do that what you wish to do.

(64) Hear once again from Me about this most confidential of supreme instruction; you are very dear to Me and therefore I speak it to your benefit. (65) Thinking of Me becoming My devotee, offering your obeisances unto Me becomoing My worshipper, for sure you will come to Me in truth - this I promise you as you are dear to Me. (66) Go, leave the variety of religions behind for surrendering to Me only; I will deliver you from all the consequences of sin, do not worry! (67) This is never to be told by you to someone void of austerity, never at any time to a non-devotee, never to one not willing to listen nor to anyone indignant towards Me. (68) Anyone who explains this most confidential secret of Mine amongst the devotees is doing transcendental devotional service unto Me and will without doubt for sure come to Me. (69) Never is there anyone among men more dear to Me than him nor will also on earth another one become more dear to Me than him. (70) He who will study this sacred conversation of ours; by him I will, by the sacrifice of spiritual knowledge, be worshiped. Thus is My view. (71) A man who with faith listens free from envy; also he being liberated, will attain the auspicious of the spheres of the pious. (72) Oh son of Prithâ, have you heard all this with a concentrated mind? Has now the delusion brought about by your lack of knowledge been dispelled, oh conqueror of wealth?'

(73) Arjuna said: 'My being mistaken is overcome, by Your mercy does it all come back to me. With all my doubts removed, oh infallible one, I am ready to put Your words into practice.'

(74) Sañjaya said: "Thus I have heard this discussion of Vâsudeva and of the great soul Arjuna, so wonderful, that it makes my hair stand on end. (75) Through the grace of Vyâsadeva I have heard this confidentiality about the supreme of yoga directly from the personal speaking of the master of yoga Krishna Himself. (76) Oh King, over and over remembering this wonderful message so holy of Kes'ava and Arjuna, delights me time and again. (77) And also each time remembering the most wonderful form of the Lord fills me with great wonder, oh King, and makes me rejoice again and again. (78) I am convinced that wherever there is the Lord of Yoga Krishna and the son of Prithâ carrying the bow and arrows, that there opulence, victory, great power and morality are assured."

 

Thus ends the Bhagavad Gîtâ as taken down by S'rîla Vyâsadeva in the Mahâbhârata; Bhîshma Parva, chapter 23-40, translated, concatenated and put on the internet by Anand Aadhar Prabhu as loyal to the original Sanskrit as possible.

 

 
 


 

 

 

 

 

Filognostic* understanding of the Bhagavad Gîtâ of Order

Text 41

'Oh chastiser of the enemy, the activities of the intellectuals and priests (brahmins), the rulers and the military (kshatriyas), the traders and farmers (vais'yas) and the servants and laborers (s'ûdras), are divided according to their own natures that originate from the material modes.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

'O conqueror of your opponents, originating from the natural qualities there are the professional activities divided into the individual natures of the four societal classes of the intellectuals and priests, the rulers and the military, the traders and farmers and the servants and laborers38. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 42

Equable, self-controlled, austere, pure, tolerant, and surely straight and of knowledge, wisdom and belief in God is the activity of a brahmin born from his own nature.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

The intellectual actions of wisdom, knowledge and belief in God are of the nature of peace, self-control and austerity, as also of purity, tolerance and honesty. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 43

Valor, vigor, determination, resourcefulness in opposition and not fleeing, generous and taking the lead is the occupation born from the nature of a kshatriya.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

The ways of the ruler are characterized by valor, vigor, determination, resourcefulness in conflict situations, steadfastness, generosity and leadership. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 44

Plowing, tending cows and trade is the natural way of a vais'ya while the nature of a s'ûdra's duty consists of being of service.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

To the nature of a trader one finds plowing, tending cows and trade as the duty, while the laborer's duty consists of delivering service. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 45

Each fulfilling his own duty does man gain in perfection. Now listen how doing ones own job that maturity is attained.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

When each human being answers to his duty, perfection will be the result. Now listen how that perfection can be achieved. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 46

From whom all living entities emanated, by whom all this is pervaded; doing his own duties in respect of Him, a man achieves perfection.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Doing one's job with that39 by which all living entities found their existence and by which all this is pervaded, a human being achives the perfection. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 47

It is better to be unsuccessful with one's own duty than to perform perfect minding another's business as doing work restricted to one's own nature one will never run into offense.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

It is better to be imperfect in doing one's own duty40, than to be perfect following an estranged course of action, because one will never be in conflict with oneself when one proceeds according to one's own nature. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 48

Although faults occur working for a result, oh son of Kuntî, one should never give it up as for sure all beginning is with faults the way fire is covered by smoke.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Even though faults are bound to happen when one works for a result, oh son of Kuntî, one should never forsake one's duty, because all one endeavors is no doubt accompanied by error, the way fire is covered by smoke. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 49

With an unobstructed intelligence in all respect in control of oneself and with the longing gone, one attains the perfection of freedom from reactions by the renounced order.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

When one has an intelligence which is free from attachments and when one, no longer fostering desires, in every respect is in control of oneself, one attains, by the renounced order, the perfection of freedom from reactions. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 50

Understand from Me how in sum, oh son of Kuntî, achieving mastery, without fail the spiritual is achieved; the stage of knowledge that is transcendental.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Understand from me how, in conclusion, oh son of Prithâ, without fail the spiritual perfection is achieved, the stage of the supreme knowledge of the âtmatattva. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 51-53

With the intelligence completely cleared, connected in ones determination and also regulating oneself with things as sounds, giving up on the objects of the senses and refraining from passion and a negative attitude; living secluded, eating little, with one's speech, mind and body under control, all day in the beyond of meditation having taken to the shelter of detachment; unidentified with the body, physical power, false pride, lust, anger and material accumulation, one, freed from possessiveness in peace qualifies for spiritual realization.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

With one's intelligence fully straightened out, being connected in one's determination and also of regulation with things as sounds; having given up on the objects of the senses, having refrained from passion and a negative attitude; living secluded, eating little, and having one's speech, mind and body under control; having taken to the shelter of detachment, all day residing in the beyond of meditation, and not being of false ego, physical power, false pride, lust, anger and material accumulation, one qualifies, freed from possessiveness living the peace, for spiritual realization. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 54

Existing spiritually the soul is pleased, one never laments or desires and is one equal to all living beings; one gains the transcendental of My devotional service.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

One attains my transcendental, devotional service when one, existing spiritually, is pleasing the soul and, never lamenting or desiring, is of an equal mind for all living beings. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 55

Through devotion one can know Me as I really am; knowing Me thus in truth he thereafter reaches.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

I am known in devotional service, for that is what I am in reality; as soon as one knows me that way, one has accessed me. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 56

Despite of always performing all kinds of activities, one does, by the mercy of My protection achieve the imperishable eternal abode.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

By whatever one, to the mercy of my protection, is all engaged in, one achieves the imperishable, eternal abode. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 57

Just become aware of Me all day by consciously giving up all kinds of activities under My lead, taking to the shelter of the intelligence of yogic union.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Take care to be aware of me all day by giving up all possible profit motives consciously - that is to say, to my lead taking to the shelter of an in yoga unified intelligence. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 58

Being conscious of Me you will overcome all impediments by My mercy but if, identifying with the body, you do not listen, you will be lost.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Conscious of me you will by my mercy overcome all impediments, but if you, on the other hand, on an ego trip, fail to answer to this, you will be lost. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 59

If, taking to false ego, you think not to fight, then your resolve is all wrong; from your material position you will have to engage.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

If you, as an escapist, try to hide in egoism and refuse engage in the fight, your resolve is all wrong; according to your position in the material world, you have no choice factually. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 60

From your own point of view, oh son of Kuntî, caught in your own actions, you prefer not to engage in that which from illusion you will even do involuntarily.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Bound to your own activities according to the birth you took, you, in illusion, prefer not to engage in that, oh son of Prithâ, in which you even involuntarily will engage. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 61

The Supreme Master resides in the heart of all living entities, oh Arjuna, directing each creature subjected to the mechanical of time and matter.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Arjuna, God resides in the heart of all living entities, where He gives directions to each creature subjected to the mechanical of the outer illusion. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 62

Be sure to surrender in all respects unto Him, oh son of Bharata; by His grace you will obtain the transcendental abode of eternal peace.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Surrender yourself to Him in every respect, oh descendant of Bharata, by His grace you'll reach the supreme abode of eternal peace. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 63

Thus the greater secret of confidential knowledge has been explained by Me; in full consideration of this, do that what you wish to do.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Thus far my explanations about the greater secret of confidential knowledge; now think carefully about this and then do that what you wish to do. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 64

Hear once again from Me about this most confidential of supreme instruction; you are very dear to Me and therefore I speak it to your benefit.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

It is because you're so dear to me that I, for your own good, restate this most confidential part of all my supreme instruction: (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 65

Thinking of Me becoming My devotee, offering your obeisances unto Me becomoing My worshipper, for sure you will come to Me in truth - this I promise you as you are dear to Me.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Think of me, become my devotee, be my worshipper, prove me your respects, and I promise you, since you're dear to me, that you'll attain me without fail. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 66

Go, leave the variety of religions behind for surrendering to Me only; I will deliver you from all the consequences of sin, do no t worry!

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

When you go for me as the only one to surrender to, and abandon all other ways of proceeding righteously, I will deliver you from all the trouble heaping upon you, don't you worry! (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 67

This is never to be told by you to someone void of austerity, never at any time to a non-devotee, never to one not willing to listen nor to anyone indignant towards Me.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

But never tell this to anyone who is not of penance, who is not a devotee, nor to someone not willing to listen, or to someone who turned against me. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 68

Anyone who explains this most confidential secret of Mine amongst the devotees is doing transcendental devotional service unto Me and will without doubt for sure come to Me.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

He who explains this most confidential secret of mine to people of devotion, is unto me engaged in transcendental, devotional service and will no doubt reach me. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 69

Never is there anyone among men more dear to Me than him nor will also on earth another one become more dear to Me than him.

SANSKRIT  

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

There is no one I like more among men, nor will there on earth become anyone more dear to me than such a one. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 70

He who will study this sacred conversation of ours; by him I will, by the sacrifice of spiritual knowledge, be worshiped. Thus is My view.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

By the sacrifice for the sake of knowledge made by the person who studies this sacred conversation of ours, I will be worshiped. That's how I see it. (Sanskrit & tradition)

  

Text 71

A man who with faith listens free from envy; also he being liberated, will attain the auspicious of the spheres of the pious.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

That human being who with faith, free from envy, listens to it, will, apart from being liberated, attain the auspicious worlds of the pious as well. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 72

Oh son of Prithâ, have you heard all this with a concentrated mind? Has now the delusion brought about by your lack of knowledge been dispelled, oh conqueror of wealth?'

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Oh son of aunt Prithâ, could you follow all this I've been telling you? Has the delusion brought about by your lack of knowledge now been dispelled, oh winner of the wealth?' (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 73

Arjuna said: 'My being mistaken is overcome, by Your mercy does it all come back to me. With all my doubts removed , oh infallible one, I am ready to put Your words into practice.'

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Arjuna said: 'The illusion is dispelled and I regained my memory. Your mercy removed my doubts, oh infallible one, I'm back on my feet now. I'll do what you told me to.' " (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 74

Sañjaya said: "Thus I have heard this discussion of Vâsudeva and of the great soul Arjuna, so wonderful, that it makes my hair stand on end.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Sañjaya said: 'This is what I've heard of the wonderful and astounding discussion between the great souls Krishna and Arjuna. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 75

Through the grace of Vyâsadeva I have heard this confidentialilty about the supreme of yoga directly from the personal speaking of the master of yoga Krishna Himself.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Thanks to Vyâsadeva16, could I firsthand from the mouth of Krishna, the master of uniting consciousness in person, hear this secret being spoken concerning the supreme of yoga. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 76

Oh King, over and over remembering this wonderful message so holy of Kes'ava and Arjuna, delights me time and again.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

Oh master of politics, repeatedly remembering this beautiful and pious conversation between the man of beauty and Arjuna, fills my heart with joy time and again. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 77

And also each time remembering the most wonderful form of the Lord fills me with great wonder, o King, and makes me rejoice again and again.

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

And also I am each time I remember that tremendously wonderful form of Kishna, o ruler of man, to my greater joy, again and again struck with wonder. (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

Text 78

I am convinced that wherever there is the Lord of Yoga Krishna and the son of Prithâ carrying the bow and arrows, that there opulence, victory, great power and morality are assured."

FILOGNOSTIC TRANSLATION

I am convinced that wherever there is the master of yoga Krishna, and the son of Prithâ with his bow and arrows, that there opulence, victory, great power and morality are assured." (Sanskrit & tradition)

 

  

Versions consulted:

- A Song of Fortune One - A modern Gîtâ - the modern version of filognosy (also in mp3-audio).

- A Song of Fortune - A Classical Gîtâ - the classical version of filognosy.

- The Bhagavad Gîta-as-it-is by Swami Bhaktivedânta Prabhupâda (PDF-download).

- The Bhagavad Gîtâ-as-it-is: online (version 1.0).

- The Bhagavad Gita As It Is By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (pdf-download).

- The Bhagavad Gita by the Bhagavad Gita Trust.

- Bhagavad Gita by Sanderson Beck.

- Bhagavad Gita by Ramanad Prasad (American Gita society).

- Srimad Bhagavad-gita - The Hidden Treasure of the Sweet Absolute (from the Vaishnav' S'rî Caitanya Saraswath math).

Sanskrit dictionary: (Monier-Williams' 'Sanskrit-English Dictionary').

 
 

 

 

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The filognostic translations are of the same author.                   
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