Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 70 (BG 18.70) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

After honoring all the teachers of the Gita, Lord Sri Krishna now praises those students who study this sacred Bhagavad Gita. The dialogue between the infinite Lord Sri Krishna and Arjuna, the finite individual soul, possesses a profound and compelling attraction in its revelation of the truth of life. Those who read it even superficially are gradually drawn into its sacred depths. Such a reader, unknowingly, embarks upon a pilgrimage to the divine Self, and naturally attains self-development through the sacrifice of knowledge. In the ritual sacrifices of karma-kanda, a sacred fire is kindled in the sacrificial altar, and the fire deity is invoked. Thereafter, the sacrificer offers material oblations into it. By this analogy, the Gita employs the fundamental term "sacrifice of knowledge." Through the study of spiritual scriptures and contemplation upon their deeper meaning, the fire of knowledge is kindled in the hearts of seekers. In this fire of knowledge, a discerning practitioner offers oblations of ignorance, false beliefs, and negative tendencies. This is the true meaning of the term "sacrifice of knowledge" as used in metaphorical language. Therefore, those seekers who, through hearing, reflection, and deep meditation, kindle the fire of knowledge and purify themselves by offering their ego, selfishness, and other desires as oblations—such persons are surely great worshippers and devotees of the Divine. They are worthy of all praise and honor. Now, praising the listener of this knowledge, the fruits that shall be attained are revealed.