18.75 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 18, Verse 75

Verse 18.75 marks a significant transition in the Bhagavad Gita as we hear from Sanjaya, who has been narrating the divine dialogue to King Dhritarashtra. In this verse, Sanjaya acknowledges that by the grace of his spiritual master, Sage Vyasa, he was able to hear this supreme and most confidential knowledge directly from Lord Krishna, the master of all yoga.

The verse reads: "By the grace of Veda Vyas, I have heard this supreme and most secret Yog from the Lord of Yog, Shree Krishna Himself." This statement carries profound significance as it highlights the importance of guru-kripa (the mercy of the spiritual master) in accessing transcendental knowledge. Sanjaya wasn't merely reporting events; he was given divine vision to witness and hear the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna through his spiritual master's blessings.

Sanjaya refers to what he heard as "guhyam param" - the most secret or confidential knowledge. This emphasizes that the teachings of the Gita aren't ordinary wisdom but divine revelation that requires special grace to fully comprehend. The knowledge imparted by Krishna to Arjuna wasn't meant to remain theoretical but was intended to transform one's consciousness completely.

What makes this verse particularly significant is Sanjaya's emphasis on the directness of the transmission. He states that he heard this knowledge "sakshat kathayatah svayam" - directly from Krishna's own lips. This direct connection to the source gives the teachings their power and authenticity. In the Vedic tradition, knowledge gains potency when received through proper channels rather than through independent speculation.

The verse also introduces us to Krishna as "Yogeshvara" - the Lord of all mystic powers. This title acknowledges Krishna's supreme position as not just a teacher of yoga but its complete master and controller. The Gita isn't merely philosophical discourse but the words of the Supreme Lord revealing the science of connecting with Him.

Sanjaya's experience illustrates the transformative nature of hearing transcendental knowledge with an open heart. While both Dhritarashtra and Sanjaya heard the same dialogue, their receptivity differed dramatically. Sanjaya, with his sincere heart and by the mercy of his guru, was deeply moved by what he heard, describing the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna as "adbhuta" or wonderfully fascinating. This demonstrates that the same spiritual message can impact different listeners in vastly different ways depending on their consciousness and receptivity.

This verse ultimately reminds us that understanding spiritual knowledge isn't merely an intellectual exercise but requires grace that comes through proper disciplic succession. As stated in the Vedabase commentary, "One who does not come to the disciplic succession cannot hear Krishna; therefore his knowledge is always imperfect." Sanjaya's humble acknowledgment of his spiritual master's mercy establishes the principle that genuine spiritual understanding comes through a chain of realized teachers rather than independent study, setting the tone for how the Gita's wisdom should be approached by sincere seekers across time.