II: 39

Chapter 2, Verse 39

“I have spoken to you
Of the true nature of the Self.
Hear now the wisdom of Buddhi Yoga,
Path of the eternal
And freedom from bondage.”

Sri Aurobindo:

The knowledge of the philosopher is that of the true nature of mundane existence, the transience of outward things, and the superiority of the inner calm, peace, and light. It is an equality of philosophical detachment, bringing a high calm, an isolated freedom which is aloof, but not the greater spiritual joy. Krishna admits the philosophical motive of detachment as a preliminary movement; but the supreme state to which he finally arrives has nothing in it of philosophical aloofness.

It is indeed a position as of one seated beyond, having no need at all in the world, yet doing works always and being present everywhere supporting, helping, and guiding the labor of creatures, just as Krishna himself does. This equality is founded upon oneness with all beings. It brings in what is wanting in the philosophical detachment; for its soul is the soul of peace, but also it is the soul of love.

Nothing and no one, however vile, fallen, criminal, or repellent in appearance, can be excluded from this universal, whole-souled spiritual oneness. There is divine compassion for the ignorance of the struggling mind; and for the divine soul within, there will be more: adoration and love; for from all, from the thief and the harlot and the outcaste as from the saint and sage, the beloved looks forth and cries to us, ‘This is I.’”

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi:

“The intellectual understanding of reality convinces a person of the existence of a nobler and more permanent field of life that lies beyond and underlies the ordinary realm of phenomenal existence. This has been the purpose of Krishna’s discourse up to this point. Now he will introduce to Arjuna the practice whereby this discernment becomes fixed in one’s consciousness.”