Gita 18.69
Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
рди рдЪ рддрд╕реНрдорд╛рдиреНрдордиреБрд╖реНрдпреЗрд╖реБ рдХрд╢реНрдЪрд┐рдиреНрдореЗ рдкреНрд░рд┐рдпрдХреГрддреНрддрдордГ | рднрд╡рд┐рддрд╛ рди рдЪ рдореЗ рддрд╕реНрдорд╛рджрдиреНрдпрдГ рдкреНрд░рд┐рдпрддрд░реЛ рднреБрд╡рд┐ ||ремреп||
na ca tasm─Бn manuс╣гyeс╣гu ka┼Ыcin me priya-kс╣Ыttamaс╕е | bhavit─Б na ca me tasm─Бd anyaс╕е priyataro bhuvi ||69||
In essence: No one among human beings does more pleasing service to Me than such a teacher, nor shall anyone on earth be dearer to Me.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "This seems like an extreme claim. More dear than great sages? More than Arjuna himself?"
Guru: "Krishna speaks from the perspective of service. The great sages attain their own liberation; the teacher of this knowledge liberates many. Arjuna's greatness lies partly in being the vehicle through which this teaching reached humanity. The one who continues that transmission continues Arjuna's work. Service that multiplies liberation naturally earns supreme appreciation."
Sadhak: "'Priya-krittamah' - most pleasing service. What makes teaching more pleasing than puja or meditation?"
Guru: "Puja honors Krishna; teaching serves His purpose. Consider a king: he appreciates when courtiers bow, but he most values those who advance his kingdom. Krishna's 'kingdom' is the liberation of souls. One who teaches this knowledge actively participates in that mission. The work aligns perfectly with divine intention."
Sadhak: "Doesn't this create pressure to teach even when one isn't ready?"
Guru: "The verse praises teaching 'this supreme secret to devotees' - both content and audience matter. Share what you genuinely understand with those genuinely receptive. You don't need to be a master teacher; sincere transmission at your level is still 'priya-krit' - pleasing service. Begin where you are."
Sadhak: "What if someone teaches for wrong reasons - fame, money, power - but still teaches correctly?"
Guru: "Krishna's love is intelligent. Mixed motives diminish the intimacy though not the usefulness of the teaching. The verse speaks of one who teaches 'having performed supreme devotion' (18.68) - the teaching flows from bhakti, not commercial interest. Pure-motivated teaching earns 'priyatara' status; impure motivation reduces the relationship though not the value to recipients."
Did this resonate with you? Share it with someone who needs to hear this.
ЁЯМЕ Daily Practice
Reflect on the extraordinary promise: 'No one shall be dearer to Me.' Let this motivate sharing - not for reward but recognizing that teaching spiritual knowledge is the highest service. Ask: 'How might I share today?'
When opportunities arise to discuss the Gita's wisdom, remember this verse. You're not just chatting but performing 'priya-krit' - pleasing service. Even small sharings accumulate. A comment about detachment, a reference to karma yoga, a recommendation of the text - all serve.
Consider: 'Did I share any wisdom today? What prevented me from sharing more?' Not as self-criticism but honest assessment. The promise of becoming 'priyatara' - most dear - should inspire increasing engagement with transmission.