18.77 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 18, Verse 77

As the Bhagavad Gita reaches its epilogue, the narrative transitions from Arjuna’s dramatic transformation to the reflective voice of Sanjaya. Verse 18.77 is particularly evocative because it shifts the focus from the philosophical and ethical discourse between Krishna and Arjuna to the private, inner experience of a witness. Sanjaya, who has observed this divine conversation by the mystical grace of his teacher Vyasa, now shares the lingering impact it has had on him.

Sanjaya confides to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that the memory of Krishna’s wondrous cosmic form continues to fill him with immense astonishment and joy, every single time he recalls it. His words carry a sense of awe: “And remembering that most astonishing and wonderful cosmic form of Lord Krishna, great is my astonishment, and I am thrilled with joy over and over again.” This is not a fleeting thrill but a continually renewing sense of wonder and happiness. Whenever Sanjaya brings to mind Krishna’s adbhutaṁ rūpa—His divine, all-encompassing form—he is overtaken by both amazement and spiritual delight, again and again.

This verse provides a powerful insight into the nature of spiritual experience. Sanjaya’s response was not merely an intellectual appreciation of profound teachings or a dutiful reporting of events to his king. Instead, his involvement was deeply emotional and transformative. The cosmic form of Krishna, which Sanjaya repeatedly recalls, is not a mere memory but a living vision that continues to recharge him with joy and reverence. The repetition of “saṁsmṛtya saṁsmṛtya”—remembering again and again—emphasizes the inexhaustible freshness of this revelation, suggesting that spiritual truths, when truly understood, do not lose their vitality but evoke ever-renewed inspiration.

The context of Sanjaya’s words is also significant. Throughout the Gita, Sanjaya has remained the neutral narrator, his role simply to convey what transpires on the battlefield. But in these closing moments, he drops the pretense of detachment and allows his own response to emerge. He describes how witnessing Krishna’s universal form and hearing the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna was not just a matter of duty but a unique blessing—something granted “by the mercy of Vyasa.” His entire narration was enabled through spiritual grace, not by his own merit. This underscores the idea that access to divine wisdom is not solely about personal effort but also about the openness to grace and the readiness of the heart to receive it.

The scene further highlights the sacred intimacy between God and devotee. Krishna’s conversation with Arjuna was not a distant proclamation, but a deeply personal revelation to a surrendered seeker. Sanjaya, by the good fortune of Vyasa’s blessing, was permitted to witness this exchange, and in doing so, he too became immersed in the divine mystery. The cosmic form that left Arjuna awestruck also leaves Sanjaya repeatedly overwhelmed. The verse thus portrays the ripple effect of spiritual realization—it is not confined to the primary participant but can move and transform even the humble observer, provided their heart is receptive.

Another subtle message in this verse is the distinction between hearing and truly receiving spiritual wisdom. Dhṛtarāṣṭra, the king, listened to every word of the Bhagavad Gita, yet his heart remained unmoved, still shackled by attachment and fear. In contrast, Sanjaya’s heart was open, making him susceptible to the beauty and power of the message. The same divine message, heard by different listeners, bears fruit only in the soil that is prepared to receive it. Sanjaya’s continued joy and astonishment stem from this openness, showing that spiritual impact is a matter of inner readiness as much as external opportunity.

In essence, this verse reveals the devotional essence that underlies all philosophical discussion in the Gita. The wondrous form of Krishna—His cosmic, all-encompassing reality—is not just a spectacle to be admired but a source of unending inner joy when remembered with a devoted heart. The verse encapsulates the idea that spiritual truths gain depth and effect not through repetition or external retelling alone, but through the living engagement of love, wonder, and gratitude. Sanjaya’s spiritual joy in recalling Krishna’s form symbolizes the perennial freshness and potency of divine truths when experienced and cherished.

Thus, Bhagavad Gita 18.77 stands as a testament to the living power of authentic spiritual encounter. Through Sanjaya’s words, the text assures us that the grace of connection with the divine is ever available and that its remembrance can fill the sincere seeker with endless wonder and happiness, no matter how many times it is recalled. The verse invites every reader not just to listen, but to listen with a receptive heart, so that the wisdom of the Gita may become a source of perpetual joy and transformation.