Gita 18.58

Sadhak: "'All difficulties'—surely Krishna doesn't mean literal crossing of all problems? Some difficulties seem insurmountable."

Guru: "He means exactly what He says. Not that problems won't arise—they will. But the devotee with mind fixed on Krishna has grace operating in their life. Problems either resolve, or the devotee gains strength to endure, or the problem reveals itself as blessing in disguise. 'Crossing' doesn't mean problems disappear; it means they don't defeat you."

Sadhak: "'Perish' seems harsh. What exactly happens to one who refuses through ego?"

Guru: "They continue in the cycle of samsara—birth, death, suffering, birth again. They miss the opportunity this teaching offers. They remain bound when freedom was available. 'Perish' doesn't mean literal death (everyone dies) but spiritual destruction—the continued imprisonment in illusion that could have ended."

Sadhak: "Why does Krishna emphasize 'ahankara' as the reason for not listening? What about genuine intellectual doubt?"

Guru: "Genuine doubt leads to inquiry, not refusal. The doubter asks questions, seeks understanding—Arjuna doubted and questioned throughout the Gita. Krishna welcomes that. 'Ahankara' is different: it's the pride that refuses to learn, the arrogance that dismisses wisdom without examination. That's what destroys."

Sadhak: "Isn't this threatening? 'Do what I say or perish'?"

Guru: "Is warning someone about a cliff threatening? Krishna is describing reality, not issuing arbitrary threats. Ego-driven existence DOES lead to suffering and bondage—that's how reality works. Surrender DOES lead to grace and liberation—that's also how it works. Krishna loves Arjuna enough to state the truth clearly, even harshly."