This final section synthesizes and clarifies the concepts of Karma Yoga, Gnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga, leading to the ultimate resolution—the instruction of surrender.

1. Clarification through Q&A 💬

The Tritiya Shatkam is structurally designed to handle the "volley of questions" that arose for Arjuna regarding the complex material presented earlier. Krishna allows Arjuna to raise these doubts and systematically answers them.

2. The Role of Gunas and Nature ⚖️

The Shatkam addresses the nature of existence, specifically detailing the three Gunas (qualities): Satva, Rajo, and Tamo.

Becoming a Deva or Asura: Krishna explains that a person's future trajectory is influenced by these qualities. If there is an increase in Satva (goodness/purity) and a reduction in Tamo and Rajo (passion and ignorance), the individual becomes a Deva (celestial being). The opposite makes one an Asura (demoniac being).

Arjuna's Identity: Arjuna asks Krishna to clarify who he is, leading to the chapter known as Devasura Vibhaga Yogam. Krishna assures Arjuna he is a Deva, reasoning that if Arjuna had been an Asura, he would not have patiently listened to 450 verses of discourse but would have killed Krishna by then.

3. Resolving the Bhakti Yoga Dilemma 🤔

The primary philosophical challenge addressed in the Charama Shatkam stems from the condition Krishna previously stipulated for attaining Moksha through Bhakti Yoga.

The Condition: Krishna required the Jeevatma to think of him in the last minute on the deathbed (Yo Yo Yap Yap) to achieve liberation. If the seeker thinks of anything else, punarjanma (rebirth) occurs.

Arjuna's Worry: Arjuna found this condition "very tricky," pointing out that focusing is difficult even in sound health, let alone on the deathbed. This made the successful completion of Bhakti Yoga highly conditional and stressful.

4. The Charama Shlokam (The Final Instruction) 🙏

To ensure that the Bhakti Yoga begun in this lifetime succeeds and results in Moksha, Krishna provides the ultimate, non-conditional resolution in the 66th verse of the 18th chapter, known as the Charama Shlokam.

The verse is: Sarva dharman parityajya mam ekam sharanam vraja. aham tva sarva papebhyo mokshaishyami ma shuchah.

A. The Instruction (Sarva dharman parityajya)

This phrase is often misinterpreted as advising the seeker to "abandon all Dharma". However, a correct interpretation reveals that Krishna instructs Arjuna to abandon the worry or concern regarding the successful completion of Dharma for that Dharma to succeed, and instead focus on surrender.

B. Unconditional Surrender (Mam Ekam Sharanam Vraja) ✨

The seeker is instructed to surrender unconditionally to "Me" (Mam) and "Me only" (Ekam).

C. Krishna's Promise (Aham Tva Sarva Papebhyo Mokshaishyami Ma Shuchah) 💫

Upon receiving unconditional surrender, Krishna offers three key assurances:

1. Destruction of Sins (Papas): Krishna promises to destroy all sins (Sarva Papebhyo). Specifically, your accumulated bad karma over previous births, known as Sanchita Karma, will vanish the moment of unconditional surrender.

2. Granting Moksha: Since the Sanchita (the seed for future births) is destroyed, there will be no next Janma, and Krishna guarantees, "I will give you moksha" (Mokshaishyami). (Note: The Prarabdha karma, the portion allocated for the current life, must still be experienced).

3. Cessation of Worry: Krishna concludes the instruction by saying, "Don't worry" (Ma Shuchah). This implies that Arjuna was worried, and the teaching is that once surrender is made, the devotee must remain confident (nirbharo nirbhayosmi) and should not doubt or worry.

The 18 chapters conclude with Sanjaya's final statement to Dhritarashtra. When Dhritarashtra asks who will win the war, Sanjaya delivers the famous closing verse, asserting that victory (Dhruva Niti Nirmatir Mama) will be found wherever the master of Yoga Shastra, Krishna, and the master of archery, Arjuna (Yatra Yogeshwara Krishna. Yatra Partha Dhanurdhara), are present.

This blog post is based on notes taken from the following video: Video Source: Watch on YouTube For a more detailed explanation, I highly recommend watching the original video.

These articles are based on discourses by Sri Dushyanth Sridhar, who renders discourses in English & Tamil on Rāmāyana, Mahābhārata, Bhāgavata, Vishnu Purāna, Bhagavad Gitā, Vishnu Sahasranāma, and Divya Prabanda in the upanyāsam, pravachanam, or kālakshepam style. Visit https://desikadaya.org for more information. These notes are presented solely for educational purposes to help viewers download and benefit from these teachings. Any incorrect interpretations or inaccuracies are mine and unintentional—please forgive me. For any feedback, please send an email.