Verse 18-55

भक्त्या मामभिजानाति यावान्यश्चास्मि तत्त्वत: |

ततो मां तत्त्वतो ज्ञात्वा विशते तदनन्तरम् || 55 ||

“By devotion, one truly understands Me as I am, knowing Me in essence. Having known Me in essence, one immediately enters into Me.”
 
Commentary

Lord Krishna emphasizes the significance of devotion (bhakti) in attaining true understanding of His divine nature and the ultimate reality.


The verse states that it is through bhakti, loving devotion or heartfelt surrender to the divine, that one can truly understand the true nature of Lord Krishna. This understanding is not merely intellectual or speculative, but a direct realization of His transcendental form, qualities, and essence. It is a deep experiential knowledge that comes through a genuine connection and relationship with the divine.


The phrase “yāvānyaśhchāsmi tattvataḥ” means “as I am in truth.” It signifies the importance of knowing the divine in His true form and essence, beyond the superficial and limited perceptions of the material world. It is a realization of the divine’s eternal, all-pervading nature and His various manifestations.


Upon attaining this true understanding of the divine, the verse states that one immediately enters into the divine presence. This signifies the merging of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness, the realization of oneness with the divine. It is a state of spiritual union where the individual transcends the boundaries of the ego and becomes absorbed in the divine essence.


The verse highlights the intimate relationship between devotion, knowledge, and realization. Through sincere and unwavering devotion, one gains the insight and clarity to perceive the divine truth. This knowledge, gained through devotion, leads to a direct experience and communion with the divine. It is a continuous process of deepening one’s understanding and connection with the divine, ultimately leading to complete union.