18. Renunciation and Surrender

Mokṣha Sanyās Yog

BG 18.77

As I recall again and again the exceeding beauty of Krishna, I am filled with amazement and joy.

तच्च संस्मृत्य संस्मृत्य रूपमत्यद्भुतं हरेः
विस्मयो मे महान् राजन् हृष्यामि च पुनः पुनः

The literary device of repetition, as in sansmṛitya sansmṛitya, punaḥ punaḥ, and muhuḥ muhuḥ from the previous verse, is a common feature in ancient Sanskrit and Pali literature. A famous equivalent usage of punaḥ punaḥ in Pali can be found in Dhammapada 153, where the Buddha is speaking his first words after achieving enlightenment - dukkha jati punappunam (the misery of being born again and again).

  • tach — that

  • cha — and

  • sansmṛitya saṁsmṛitya — remembering repeatedly

  • rūpam — cosmic form

  • aty-adbhutaṁ — most wonderful

    • aty

    • adbhutaṁ

  • hareḥ — of Krishna

  • vismayo — astonishment

  • ye — my

  • mahān — great

  • rājan — king

  • hṛiṣhyāmi — I am thrilled with joy

  • cha — and

  • punaḥ — again

  • punaḥ — again

...18.73

Sanjaya said: Thus, I have heard this wonderful dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, which makes my hair stand on end.

[74]

By the grace of sage Vyasa, I have heard this secret and noble science from the lips of its master, Lord Krishna.

[75]

My king, I continuously rejoice as I remember this marvelous and auspicious dialogue.

[76]

As I recall again and again the exceeding beauty of Krishna, I am filled with amazement and joy.

[77]

Wherever there is Krishna, the Lord of Yoga, and wherever there is Arjuna, the great wielder of the bow, there is fortune, victory, prosperity, and morality. This is my conviction.

[78]

Similar verses

Chapter 18, Verse 77