Conclusion of chapter thirteen

In this way Lord Shri Krishna made it clear to one who was dear to his heart, the Son of Pandu,—(the entire position in regard to the spiritual and non-spiritual). Lord Hari thus imparted to Arjuna the knowledge (of the Self) in the way water from one jug is poured into another. But who imparted (and) to whom?

Really speaking this phrase is incorrect (since) Nara (Arjuna) is also Narayana (Lord Krishna), and this is affirmed by Lord Krishna with the remark.—

“I am Arjuna myself’. Enough of this digression; why should I say more unasked? In short, the Lord gave to Arjuna all that he had. Yet the mind of Partha was not satisfied; (on the contrary) his longing to hear more and more was intensified. With oil replenished, as the lamp illuminates with greater brilliance, the longing in Arjuna’s heart to hear more and more got intensified. Here is an expert (in cooking) and liberal-minded hostess; there are on the other hand guests (fully) qualified to relish (food); with such a combination as this, it hardly needs telling that the hands on both the sides get to work freely (they mutually cooperate giving rise to immense satisfaction). So happened to the Lord; At the hearer’s eagerness to hear he too felt thrilled fourfold to prolong his discourse. With favourable wind the clouds rise up fast, or the sea gets into full tide at the appearance of the full moon; in that way on account of the regard shown by the hearers, the orator’s eloquence waxes.”

Samjaya then said,

“Now God will make joyous the entire universe, and you, Oh King, hear that account.”

(It is) that story which the most talented sage Vyasa narrated in the portion named Bhishma-Parva of the Great Epic ‘Mahabharata’, and that dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna I shall now expound in Marathi in a versified form. The narrative is one full only with one sentiment of tranquillity (śāntirasa); yet by the way I shall expound it, the sentiment of tranquillity will tread over (be superior to) the head of the erotic sentiment (śṛṅgārarasa). It is only the (ordinary) Marathi, language; yet I shall set it out so skilfully that it will put life into (light) literature and will make even the nectar’s taste insipid in point of sweetness (eloquence).

The phraseology will come up to the level of the Moon in point of soft, (moist) pleasant, coolness and will make even the Divine resonance (music of the spheres) assume silence before its infatuating eloquence. It will cause even the ghostly order to make their hearts ooze out righteous feelings and will make the good minds (saints) enter into rapt concentration on spiritual meditation. I shall now expand the grandeur of speech in such a way, that the entire universe will be stuffed with Gita-interpretations, and will erect an enclosure (āvārū) full of great joy for the world. May the discreet thought disport in high spirit; let the ears and the mind have their object of life completely accomplished; and let every one who may have a liking for the subject be able to see the mind of the Brahmic Lore.

Let the Supreme Spirit be discernible to the vision of all, ushering in a festival of happiness for all to enjoy, and let the universe enter (experience) the days of plenty and prosperity in the form of great (Supreme) understanding. Now I, who am favoured by the grace of the Great Guru Shri Nivrittinath, shall hold the discourse in a way that will bring about all this (I have said). I shall disentangle the (complication resulting from) the jumble of similies [similes?] and puns explaining the significance of each and every word and bring out vividly the meaning of the Scripture. My Grand preceptor has made me perfect by equipping me with literary craftsmanship and ability, sufficient to carry me through to the destination. Through the grace of the preceptor, whatever I preach becomes acceptable and this has prepared me to hold the discourse on the Gita-interpretations in your conference: Now that I have come up at your feet, there is no obstruction in my way.

Oh masters, is it ever possible that Sarasvati the Goddess of learning, will ever give birth to a dumb child; so also could Lakshmi the Goddess of riches, be ever wanting in (auspicious) physical signs. In that way there could hardly be any room for a mere mention of ignorance where you are present and therefore I shall make all the nine Rasas (sentiments) to rain down copiously (through my discourse). In short, I may, Oh God, be allowed some rest and I shall start preaching the Scriptures in the right way;” said Jnanadev [Jnanadeva].