मच्चित्त: सर्वदुर्गाणि मत्प्रसादात्तरिष्यसि ।
अथ चेत्त्वमहङ्कारान्न श्रोष्यसि विनङ्क्ष्यसि ॥ ५८ ॥
mach-chittaḥ sarva-durgāṇi mat-prasādāt tariṣhyasi
atha chet tvam ahankārān na śhroṣhyasi vinaṅkṣhyasi
श्लोक ५८: यदि तुम्हारा मन मुझ पर पूर्णतः केन्द्रित है, तो तुम सभी कठिनाइयों पर मेरी कृपा से विजय प्राप्त कर सकोगे। परन्तु यदि तुम अहंकारवश कर्म करोगे और मेरे कहे हुए शब्दों को नहीं सुनोगे, तो तुम नष्ट हो जाओगे।
Shloka 58: If your mind remains completely focused on Me, you will overcome all difficulties through My grace. But if you act out of pride and do not heed My words, you will perish.
In Bhagavad Gita 18.58, Lord Krishna offers one of the most profound promises and warnings in the entire text. He tells Arjuna, "With your mind fixed on me, you will overcome all challenges through my grace. However, if you do not listen out of egoism, you shall be destroyed." This verse comes as Krishna concludes his teachings, addressing Arjuna's potential uncertainties about implementing the spiritual wisdom he has received.
The Sanskrit phrase "macchitaha sarvadurguni matprasaadaattarishyasi" contains a powerful assurance—by keeping one's mind focused on Krishna, all difficulties (sarvadurguni) can be crossed over through divine grace (matprasaadaat). This isn't suggesting that challenges will disappear, but rather that with divine consciousness, we develop the capacity to move through obstacles with clarity and strength that transcends our limited human capabilities.
Krishna is not asking for blind devotion but for a consciousness that recognizes a higher intelligence at work. When we face life's inevitable struggles—uncertainty, loss, conflict, or confusion—our natural tendency is to rely solely on our limited understanding. We strategize, worry, and often become overwhelmed when situations exceed our control. The verse offers an alternative approach: to maintain awareness of Krishna while acting in the world.
This consciousness doesn't mean abandoning practical effort. Rather, it transforms the quality of our action. Just as sunlight cannot illuminate a room with closed windows, divine grace cannot penetrate a consciousness that remains shut through ego and self-sufficiency. "Mad-cittah" (consciousness of Krishna) creates an inner receptivity that allows grace to operate through our actions, decisions, and responses to life's challenges.
The second part of the verse contains a sobering warning: "If, however, you do not listen out of egoism, you shall be destroyed." The Sanskrit "ahankaaraat" refers specifically to action driven by ego—the false sense that "I alone know what's best" or "I don't need guidance." Krishna cautions that this attitude leads to destruction, not as divine punishment, but as the natural consequence of navigating life's complexities with limited vision.
This teaching carries profound psychological insight. When we operate from ego, we close ourselves to feedback, guidance, and the wisdom of others. We become rigid, defensive, and ultimately isolated in our perspective. The "destruction" Krishna warns of may manifest as repeated mistakes, unnecessary suffering, or the gradual erosion of clarity and purpose. It's like sailing without a compass—we may move with great energy but in circles or toward hidden dangers.
Ultimately, verse 18.58 presents a choice between two ways of living: one centered in conscious connection to something greater than ourselves, leading to grace-filled navigation of life's challenges; and another rooted in ego-driven self-reliance, which may appear strong but ultimately leaves us vulnerable to confusion and limitation. Krishna doesn't demand perfection—he invites connection. The verse reminds us that even our small efforts to maintain divine consciousness bring disproportionate assistance through grace, while even our most confident actions, when disconnected from higher guidance, may lead us astray.
Experience the Bhagavad Gita in a modern avatar on the BGFA app, with videos, explanations, lessons and more!
