This is Sri Gitaji's extremely secretive, thought-filled and extraordinary verse. Several enlightened interpreters of the Gita have considered this verse to be the gist of the Gita. Many of them have also raised questions as per their mentality. Some have also declared this verse to be debatable. All have a right to express their viewpoints undoubtedly, but in this verse there is nothing of this sort. This verse is a very open and magnanimous appeal of the Lord. This verse carries an impartial and a very clear inspiration for all. This is one of the several liberal declarations of Shri Krishna of the Gita.

'Sarvadharman parityaja'–the words described in this verse cause astonishment to some people and some streams of thought. In fact, the implication of religion here is not for a particular religion, sect, beliefs and thoughts, etc. Wherever the word religion has appeared in the Gita, it is in sense of one's obligatory duty. The question arises whether even the obligatory duties should be given up. No, it is not so. At no place in the Gita, there is mention of the abandonment of obligatory duties, but on the contrary inspiration has been given to transform the natural duties into the worship of the Lord to attain perfection. Then what is to be given up? On this issue, the thinkers of the Gita have expressed different opinions. The abandonment is not of the natural duties but of those which are imposed. Whatever is my duty as a human being I should discharge in a rightful manner.

Whatever duties have been taken on under the influence of egoism, clinging and desires for fruit, those should be abandoned. One implication of this is, that the primary duty of the embodied being is to live as if he belongs to God and also to perform actions in that spirit. The inclinations, deformations which take one away from the Supreme, they are not the duties of the embodied being and are false. Sometimes there are doubts or dilemma in taking a decision with regard to righteousness and unrighteousness. What is right and what is wrong, sometimes it is difficult to decide. Arjun had in the very beginning placed this dilemma before the Supreme. With respect to righteousness my mind is bewildered or deluded; I am not able to understand what is right for me and what is not. I take refuge in you; You provide me with the right guidance (2/7). This inspirational appeal is also for saving oneself from the confusion relating to righteousness and unrighteousness. The Lord says, 'Leave aside this dilemma and take My refuge only'. It is also possible; perform what is your essential duty. As the preacher of the Gita has given a clear directive for never giving up actions like sacrifice, austerity and charity, continue to perform them but by not depending on them, but taking the support of the Lord.

Take it in this manner, that if good deeds are performed, it is not bad; but the goal should never be lost sight of. One state is that where outwardly there is cessation in their continued performance. The inner state should be pure and there should be abidance in the Divine spirit, just and just only refuge in the Lord. Solely, His refuge should be taken! In that emotional flow, self-surrender should be there. Everything is offered at the feet of the Lord–this is the highest state of 'sarvadharmaan parityaja'. First for the sake of righteousness actions should be performed for the betterment of the world and the world hereafter, but gradually these should also be given up and then solely the state of 'taking refuge in Him'.

The real and natural state of the embodied being is this only. The embodied being is the eternal part of the Divine. Sooner or later, he has to become one with Him; he has to enter into Him. This verse from the point of view of the sermon is the concluding verse of the Gita. Making Arjun as the representative, the Lord wants to bring the embodied being into his original state. That is why after providing with a heap of inspirations in the form of action, devotion and knowledge, etc. the matter of total surrender in straight terms! Now no other support or refuge, nowhere in any sense of doership or any expectation and no delay either. Come and now take My refuge. The simple meaning of refuge is that there should not be any desire or grief! Neither any egoism, nor any feeling of Iness, nor any feeling of mineness, nor is anything mine, all is You and Yours!

Lord Shri Krishna is calling out to us with open arms, is beckoning us, is appealing to us, full of affection–O eternal portion of Mine! My dear!! Why are you making your life complicated by venturing here and there, by resorting to unreal, why by performing action with desire for fruit and sense of doership, you by turning away from Me who is Truth, Consciousness and Bliss are filling your inner-self with impressions, deformations and sins. Whatever has happened, leave worrying about it; do not grieve over it; just take refuge solely in Me. I will deliver you from all evils.

'Ma sucha' (grieve not). This is the gist of the inspirations from the Gita. Do not grieve; do not worry–this is the Lord's direct message full of intimacy and affection for the human being. Arjun is immersed in dejection–'shok samvigna manasa' (1/47). That is why deliverance from sorrow is the prime stress of the Gita. The Divine speech which began by describing the dejection as useless and to acquire freedom from it, is coming to rest by coaxing one not to grieve.