18.63 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 18, Verse 63

In Bhagavad Gita 18.63, Lord Krishna concludes His divine discourse with a profound statement that encapsulates the essence of spiritual guidance and human free will. "Thus, I have explained to you this knowledge that is more secret than all secrets. Ponder over it deeply, and then do as you wish." This verse marks a pivotal moment in the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna, as the Lord has now imparted all essential spiritual wisdom and passes the decision-making authority back to His disciple.

The verse begins with Krishna acknowledging the extraordinary nature of what He has shared. He describes His teachings as "guhyād guhyataram" – knowledge more secret than all secrets. This isn't merely intellectual information but transformative spiritual wisdom that transcends ordinary understanding. Spiritual knowledge is described as "secret" because it isn't directly perceivable through our senses and requires guidance from both scriptures and realized teachers. Krishna has progressively revealed increasingly confidential knowledge throughout the Gita, culminating in this moment.

What makes this verse particularly remarkable is Krishna's instruction: "vimṛśyaitad aśeṣeṇa" – ponder over it deeply and completely. This reveals the Gita's distinctive approach to spiritual growth. Rather than demanding blind adherence, Krishna encourages Arjuna to deeply contemplate everything he has learned. The Lord respects Arjuna's intelligence and capacity for discernment, inviting him to process this wisdom thoroughly before acting. This reflects a profound respect for human intellect within the spiritual journey.

The final phrase, "yathechchhasi tathā kuru" – do as you wish – represents a pivotal moment in spiritual teaching. After presenting the complete spectrum of spiritual knowledge, Krishna steps back and honors Arjuna's free will. This doesn't indicate indifference but rather demonstrates the ultimate respect a teacher can show a student. It's a moment where Krishna, having fulfilled His role as the perfect guide, acknowledges that the final choice must come from Arjuna himself.

This approach illustrates a profound truth: spiritual growth cannot be forced. Even God Himself respects our freedom to choose. Krishna has explained karma (action), jñāna (knowledge), and bhakti (devotion), clarified the soul's nature, explained the workings of material nature, and revealed the ultimate path of surrender. Yet the decision to embrace this knowledge remains with the individual. The verse beautifully balances divine guidance with human agency.

There's an important nuance in Krishna's instruction. While giving Arjuna freedom, He doesn't suggest that choices are without consequences. Freedom doesn't mean freedom from results. Instead, Krishna has provided complete knowledge so that Arjuna can make an informed decision, understanding the implications of his choices. It's similar to how a parent might guide a child while still allowing them to learn through their own decisions.

This verse serves as a reminder that in our own spiritual journey, there comes a point when we must move from learning to application, from listening to choosing. Krishna demonstrates the perfect teaching methodology: explain thoroughly, encourage reflection, and then respect the student's autonomy. His words "do as you wish" aren't spoken with indifference but with the understanding that true spiritual growth comes when knowledge is internalized and freely chosen rather than imposed. This is the culmination of the Gita's teaching – divine wisdom offered with love, to be embraced through free will.