We learned in the previous section that perfection in action is attained by striving for purity in our consciousness, which is characterized by self-control, unattached discernment, and freedom of material hankerings. Now, let’s learn from Krishna (nibodha me) in summary (samāsenaiva), just as (yathā) one attains (prāpto) perfection (siddhiṁ) in action, likewise (tathā), how one can attain (āpnoti) Brahman (brahma), which is known to be (yā) the stage (niṣṭhā) of highest knowledge (jñānasya parā). (BG 18.50)
Engaged (yukto) with purified discernment (buddhyā viśuddhayā), controlling (niyamya ca) the mind (ātmānaṁ) with determination (dhṛtya), giving up (tyaktvā) the objects of sense gratification (viṣayāṁs) like sound, etc. (śabdādīn), being freed from (vyudasya) attachment and hatred (rāga-dveṣau ca), seeking seclusion (vivikta-sevī), eating little (laghv-āśī), controlling one’s body, mind, and power of speech (yata-vāk-kāya-mānasaḥ), always (nityaṁ) situated in the highest stage of meditation-yoga (dhyāna-yoga-paro), taking shelter of (samupāśritaḥ) detachment (vairāgyaṁ), free from (vimucya) false ego (ahaṅkāraṁ), strength (balaṁ), pride (darpaṁ), lust (kāmaṁ), anger (krodhaṁ), and acceptance of material things (parigraham), free from false proprietorship (nirmamaḥ), and peaceful (śānto) – such a person qualifies for Brahman realization (brahma-bhūyāya kalpate). (BG 18.51-53)
Thus, there are two paths to perfection – the path of action and the path of knowledge. The path of action involves dedicating our nature-born actions for the pleasure of Krishna while the path of knowledge entails a secluded practice of meditation-yoga. What does Brahman realization lead one to eventually?
On the platform of Brahman (brahma-bhūtaḥ), the soul filled with bliss (prasannātmā) neither laments (na śocati) nor hankers (na kāṅkṣati) for anything and is equally disposed (samaḥ) toward all living beings (sarveṣu bhūteṣu). Practicing in this way, one ultimately obtains (labhate) supreme (parām) devotion to Krishna (mad-bhaktiṁ). (BG 18.54) This clearly establishes devotion to Krishna as the highest goal of life.
Without devotion to Krishna, one cannot know Krishna as He is. By devotion (bhaktyā), one can know (abhijānāti) Krishna (mām) – His extent (yāvān) and what He is (yaś cāsmi) – in truth (tattvataḥ). Thus (tato ) knowing (jñātvā) Krishna (māṁ) in truth (tattvato), thereafter (tad anantaram), one returns to Krishna (viśate). (BG 18.55)
