Bhagavad Gita 18.55 · Krishna
Love that truly knows
भक्त्या मामभिजानाति यावान्यश्चास्मि तत्त्वतः।
ततो मां तत्त्वतो ज्ञात्वा विशते तदनन्तरम्॥
bhaktyā māmabhijānāti yāvānyaścāsmi tattvataḥtato māṃ tattvato jñātvā viśate tadanantaram
By love one truly knows Me, how great I am and who I am. Then, knowing Me in truth, one enters into Me at once.
Words
- bhakti
What it means
Krishna says bhakti, love, is how one truly knows him. Not just facts about him, but who and what he really is. And having known him that way, the devotee enters into him. Love leads to knowing, and knowing leads to union. They're one movement of the heart.
The story
Arjuna has known Krishna all his life. But only now, through love and this teaching together, does he truly know who his friend is.
In your life
Think of a parent who knows their child better than any expert ever could, because of love. Spend time today getting to know someone through love, not judgement.
Love is the deepest way of knowing.