Toward the end of this chapter, Krishna summarizes the Gita by taking us through a journey of confidential (guhya), more confidential (guhya-taraṁ), and the most confidential (guhyatamaṁ) knowledge. The Absolute Truth is one but is realized at three different levels depending on the qualification and trajectory of a practicing transcendentalist – Brahman (or, the all-pervading energetic manifestation of Krishna), Paramātmā (or, the localized expansion of Krishna, or the Supersoul in the heart of every living being) and Bhagavān (or, Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead).

Krishna established the knowledge of Brahman, Paramātmā, and Bhagavān to be confidential, more confidential and the most confidential knowledge respectively. Krishna reveals the most confidential knowledge in the most personal way.

Let’s hear (śṛṇu) Krishna’s (me) supreme instruction (paramaṁ vacaḥ) – the most confidential of all (sarva-guhyatamaṁ) – one more time (bhūyaḥ). Arjuna is very (dṛḍham iti) dear to Krishna (iṣṭo ’si me) and therefore (tato) Krishna will speak this (vakṣyāmi) for Arjuna’s benefit (te hitam). (BG 18.64) Krishna says “one more time” because He had already shared the same instruction in BG 9.34. However, the difference is that Krishna is now delivering the same instruction in the most intimate manner filling the heart of the recipient with confidence and assurance. Here is Krishna’s supreme instruction in the whole Bhagavad Gita.

We should engage our mind always in thinking of Krishna (man-manā), become Krishna’s devotee (bhava mad-bhakto), worship Krishna (mad-yājī), offer obeisances to Krishna (māṁ namaskuru). By this method, surely, we will come to (eṣyasi) Krishna alone (mām eva). Krishna truly (satyaṁ) promises (pratijāne) this to Arjuna (te) as Arjuna is dear (priyo ’si) to Krishna (me). (BG 18.65) Krishna’s promise and supreme words continue on to His final instruction.

Giving up (parityajya) all occupational duties (sarva-dharmān), we should go to (vraja) Krishna only (mām ekaṁ) for shelter (śaraṇaṁ). Krishna (ahaṁ) will free (mokṣayiṣyāmi) us (tvāṁ) from all sinful reactions (sarva-pāpebhyo). Therefore, we should not worry (mā śucaḥ). (BG 18.66) This is the most hope-inducing and encouraging verse of the entire Bhagavad Gita.