Meaning
Supreme God Krishna spoke
Therefore, O Arjuna, in every way, seek refuge in God. Through His Grace, you shall attain ultimate peace and eternal life. (18:62)
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवान् उवाच
तमेव शरणं गच्छ सर्वभावेन भारत ।
तत्प्रसादात्परां शान्तिं स्थानं प्राप्स्यसि शाश्वतम्॥
Word-by-word
तम् एव शरणम् गच्छ सर्व-भावेन, भारत!
तत् प्रसादात् पराम् शान्तिम् स्थानम् प्राप्स्यसि शाश्वतम्।
Commentary
In the previous verse, the Lord talked of God lodged in one’s heart; so, the reference now is to the same in-dwelling God. This recommendation is for more inner spiritual exploration and inward journey than running only after idols and temples during one’s spiritual quest. However, it would be a mistake to presume that the verse negates idol worship, which initially is simpler and helpful to an ordinary seeker. Learning to meditate on God in one’s heart is incredibly beneficial because that in-dwelling God is with us all the time.
In this context, a piece of wisdom shared in the Bhāgawata Purāna by sage Kapila, an incarnation of Lord Nārāyana, offers valuable insight: “I am present in all creatures as their souls. Therefore, those who ignore the in-dwelling Me and worship Me only through external images or idols are hypocritical. It’s as if they are offering oblations into ashes rather than fire. Those who harbor conceit and hatred toward other souls are, in fact, hating Me and can never find inner peace. I am never pleased with those who insult others and then offer elaborate worship to My idol. A person should worship Me in the forms of God until they realize God within their own heart and in all other beings. One should worship God in all living beings through acts of charity, kindness, and friendly behavior.” (Verses 21-27, Ch. 29, Third Skandha, Bhāgawata Purāna).
This wisdom underscores the importance of recognizing the divinity within oneself and in all living beings while also acknowledging the value of external forms of worship as stepping stones on the spiritual path.