Before reflecting on this concluding verse of the Gita let us go towards the background it started with. The first verse of the first chapter of Srimad Bhagvad Gita. Dhritrashtra had enquired of Sanjay–what did the sons of Pandu and those of mine assembled there with the intention to wage war, did in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, i.e. the war field of righteousness? The inherent intention of Dhritrashtra for putting such a question was to assess as to who was in a postion to win the battle–the Kauravas or the Pandavas, my sons or the sons of Pandu? As they had gone there with the intention of fighting and the atmosphere was of the war only. That is why he was intent on asking this question. It was not in respect of whether the war should be fought or not. They had not gone for any harmonious meeting, a feast or for dining together. Definitely, the question pertained to the result of the act. Here, Sanjay in a fearless tone gives a categorical reply highlighting the Essential Truth of the Gita he is expressing his opinion.

There is fearlessness in the tone of Sanjay. Sanjay has also heard the Gita, even though Sanjay is both the listener and the speaker. Through the means of the divine vision bestowed on him by the great sage Vyasji he is hearing and also relating it to Dhritrashtra. If the Gita has been heard, then fearlessness is bound to develop. In front of him is the ruler of the kingdom and behind him is the power of sovereignity. To ensure the truth is to secure in front of the one holding power and to be able to speak out one's opinion in a fearless manner, this is the forceful need of today. This can be learnt from Sanjay.

The inspirations from the Gita for this reason, in every sphere and from every viewpoint are relevant, useful and necessary. Sanjay is speaking openly and frankly in front of King Dhritrashtra. This is the truth also that where righteousness is, Krishna is there and where Krishna is, victory is also there. With victory Sanjay has also mentioned prosperity, glory and the undeviating law of truth. Where the sun is there definitely sun-rays would be. Where a tree is, there shade is bound to be; there is nothing extra to be done for that. Where the Lord is, prosperity, victory and morality are his radiance. In the 10th verse of Yoga of Divine glories, the Krishna of Gita has also made this explicit.

'Arjun! Wherever you view the glory, resplendence, splendour, power, etc. know it to be born out of my brilliance' (10/41). From this verse this inspiration can also be derived, that if the Lord has a place in life then with Him everything is there. By forgetting the Lord or keeping Him aside, to desire for all these is the error of life. Like Arjun, make Lord yours–prosperity, victory and morality will come your way on their own. In this verse along with Lord Krishna, Arjun also finds mention–'yatra yogeshvara krsno yatra pratho dhanurdharah' (wherever the Lord of Yoga i.e. Master of powers of Yoga, Lord Shri Krishna is and where there is the faithful dedication like Arjun). Both Arjun and Duryodhan approached Shri Krishna for help. Duryodhan was pleased to be given the army, arms and ammunition. He could not understand the power, importance and necessity of the Lord nor did he acknowledge it. Arjun sought the Lord Himself, could get Him and make Him the charioteer of his chariot. Total dedication, self-surrender and single-pointed devotion, in between some clouds of ignorance did appear, which however were dispersed. Arjun once again reiterated his dedication by using the words 'I will act as per your word'.

If the support is taken of both effort and the Lord, if along with action, the grace of the Lord is also sought, not that of egoism, only then can success be achieved. Egoism is the burden of life; the refuge of divine grace is the true embellishment. Arjun is laborious, but added is the golden shelter of the Lord which is there with him. The rein of the chariot of life is placed in the hands of the Lord. This is the very basis of success in the Mahabharata of life, whether the issue pertains to the Mahabharata of Kurukshetra or the struggle of Mahabharata going on in every sphere of our activities in life. There is only road to victory–Like Arjun make an entry along with God, not with arrogance as Duryodhan did. Action is not to be given up; it has to be continued. One should be laborious and work for the welfare of others, and not be indolent and selfish. The bow and the arrows are not to be abandoned. One has to be alert about one's action, but the goal should not be pleasure-seeking; it is to unite with the Divine the world. The support should be of the Lord; all else will fall into place easily on its own.

Remember that the Gita was not just meant for the Mahabharat which took place in the age of Dwapar. The Mahabharat was not just the war which took place then, but it is going on even today. Good and evil, or the Mahabharat between the positive and negative inclinations, the Mahabharata of favourable and unfavourable situations! The road to victory is just one–like Arjun make the Divine your companion and charioteer. Endeavour and action is there, but not egoism and anxiety; when we will work with Him in our mind, will act by taking His support and shelter, then like Arjun have faith; He is all-resourceful, Omnipotent. He is the Supreme Power; there is nothing impossible for Him. The Gita is meant for me and just for me. Develop such faith full of intimacy and then study the Gita. The inspiration from the Gita certainly and undoubtedly will infuse new enthusiasm and exhilaration into life. This very verse, uttered by Sanjay, could become an amazing and miraculous inspiration of life. By just focusing your thoughts on this aspect, one can experience a pleasant transformation in life—the Lord is mine, He is with me. My life is being lead in the shade of His grace, I am His, He is mine. I just have to pick the bow and arrows and make an effort and be dedicated. Success or victory lies in His hands. This is the very state of having the presence of the Master of Yoga Lord Shri Krishna and Arjun armed with the bow and arrows. There should be no anxiety about the future, as the future is His sphere and He knows best about it. Become worry-free! Live fearlessly. Experience the real benefit, actual bliss of life. With this the 18th chapter comes to a close.