Yoga through the Perfection of Renunciation and Surrender
Verse 18.67
इदं ते नातपस्काय नाभक्ताय कदाचन।न चाशुश्रूषवे वाच्यं न च मां योऽभ्यसूयति।।18.67।।
idaṁ te nātapaskyāya nābhaktāya kadāchana na chāśhuśhruṣhave vāchyaṁ na cha māṁ yo ‘bhyasūtayi
Word Meanings
idam—this; te—by you; na—never; atapaskāya—to those who are not austere; na—never; abhaktāya—to those who are not devoted; kadāchana—at any time; na—never; cha—also; aśhuśhrūṣhave—to those who are averse to listening (to spiritual topics); vāchyam—to be spoken; na—never; cha—also; mām—toward me; yaḥ—who; abhyasūyati—those who are envious
Translation · English
Never speak this to one who is devoid of austerities or devotion, who does not render service, who does not desire to listen, or who cavils at Me.
Deep Meaning · English
In this verse, Krishna establishes the 'ethics of transmission' for the profound knowledge of the Gita. It is not merely a restriction on sharing, but a safeguard for the integrity of the seeker. By mandating that this knowledge not be shared with the non-austere (atapaskāya), the non-devoted (abhaktāya), the indifferent (ashushrushave), and the envious (abhyasuyati), Krishna emphasizes that spiritual truth is not a commodity for intellectual consumption, but a transformative energy that requires a vessel of specific caliber. Spiritual wisdom remains dormant or even becomes a source of vanity if the recipient lacks the discipline of tapasya (austerity) or the humble heart of bhakti (devotion). From an Advaitic perspective, these requirements serve to strip away the ego-based filters that distort the perception of Truth. If one approaches the absolute with envy or intellectual arrogance, the teachings remain superficial. Therefore, Krishna demands that the teacher assesses the readiness of the student. This ensures that the sacred discourse of the Gita is preserved in an environment of purity, where it can act as a catalyst for genuine realization rather than becoming fodder for academic debate or materialistic rationalization. It is an act of divine protection, ensuring the seed of wisdom falls only where the soil of the heart has been tilled by devotion and humility.
True wisdom is not merely an external message to be spread, but a sacred vibration that requires a purified, humble, and receptive heart to manifest its transformative potential.
Connected Verses
The direct corollary that promises the attainment of the Divine for one who shares this secret with others who are devoted.
Enumerates the qualities of knowledge, such as humility and absence of pride, which are the internal manifestations of the 'austerity' mentioned in 18.67.
Confirms that this royal knowledge is only accessible to those who possess deep faith and purity of heart.
Highlights the necessity of prostration, inquiry, and service as the prerequisites for receiving knowledge from the realized soul.
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