Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 71 (BG 18.71) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

The subject of the Bhagavad Gita is not merely worthy of admiration when observed from a distance. For the seeker to be fully benefited by the knowledge imparted through the Gita, it is essential that the practitioner's personality be harmoniously developed at all levels. Therefore, the Blessed Lord Sri Krishna here makes special mention of two qualities, and the listener endowed with these shall derive the greatest joy from hearing. **The Quality of Shraddha (Faith)** Shraddha does not mean blind belief. It is that capacity of the intellect through which a person (1) can understand the subtle meaning of scriptural words, (2) can retain and hold what is understood, (3) becomes capable of fully assimilating it into one's being, and (4) in this manner, can shape one's life according to the knowledge thus acquired. It is natural that a person possessed of shraddha benefits most from the teachings of the Teacher. To gain knowledge of the unknown, appropriate means of knowledge are necessary, and faith in the validity of those means is also required. Without such faith, one cannot turn toward knowledge. This faith in the means of knowledge is called shraddha. **The Quality of Anasuya (Freedom from Fault-Finding)** As has been stated in many places, anasuya means that person who does not find fault in virtues. This does not mean that in Hindu dharma, students of philosophy are not granted the freedom to examine and critique. It simply means that before hearing or studying the scriptures, we should not form prejudices about them. An intellect corrupted by prejudices can never attain true knowledge of reality. The listener endowed with both these qualities shall derive the greatest benefit. Freed from sins, such a person attains the exalted worlds of the virtuous. This means that such a listener, liberated from desires, experiences inner peace and bliss. The kingdom of joy dwells within our own heart. There is no need to journey to some distant heaven to attain it. Here and now—the attainment of bliss—this is the eternal truth of Vedanta. It is the duty of the Teacher to see whether the student has properly received the knowledge. If the prescribed path of practice is not conducive or sufficient for the student's progress, the Teacher should assist such a student so that he may regain his balance. Therefore, the Blessed Lord Sri Krishna asks Arjuna: