Gita Talk 93–Krishna's Final Words

The ninety-third and final 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.

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.