Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 18, Verse 57

[Bhagavad Gita Slokas]

	Chapter 18: Conclusion -- The Perfection of Renunciation
	Verse: 57 cetasa sarva-karmani mayi sannyasya mat-parah buddhi-yogam upasritya mac-cittah satatam bhava

Translation:
In all activities just depend upon Me and work always under My protection. In such devotional service, be fully conscious of Me.

Explanation:
Previously Krishna had spoken about sakama-bhakta or one whose devotion is mixed with material desires. In this verse He speaks about a higher stage of devotees - the nishkama bhaktas. Such a devotee offers the results of all activities to Krishna in the mood of devotion. While performing all occupational activities and duties of asrama, one whose goal of life is only to attain Krishna (mat parah), in other words, being niskama, remember Krishna always, even while doing those activities and at any other time also; being endowed with fixed intelligence. This thought was earlier stated by the Lord in BG 9.27.

One may question that while Arjuna had the distinct advantage of being in the presence of Krishna, how can others feel the protection of Krishna or be fully conscious of Him. Srila Prabhupada explains that Krishna is always present in His words (as in the Bhagavad-gita) and in His representatives (as the devotees and spiritual master). Therefore, when one follows the instructions of the guru, sadhu and sastra, he is as good as being present with Krishna and will experience His full protection. Krishna had first introduced this term "mat-parah" in 2.61 when He for the first time declares to Arjuna that ultimately He is final shelter.

Please read the Sanskrit Verse and the Prabhupada's Purport.

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