Chapter 13

The first six chapters described Krishna as the Supreme Lord and the ultimate achievement . To achieve Him, those chapters described devotion as a part of the Lord’s worship. They also described the techniques of contemplation and activity as ‘means’ to achieve that devotion.

The second set of six chapters described The Lord as the ultimate goal, His true form and His greatness. They recommended abundant and single-minded love for Him in the form of devotion. Awareness of the Lord leads to such devotion.

It was also stated that devotion is effective in achieving great wealth in this world, the curiosity to experience the Self and other goals as well.

Devotion in this world.

The next six chapters offer clarity about the material environment and the Self. They also describe how their combination forms this world. These chapters also clarify the methods to achieve our goal, along with the associated actions, awareness and devotion – which were stated in the last twelve chapters.

This is the thirteenth chapter and it describes the nature of the Self and the body. This chapter clarifies the true nature of the body and lays down the means to achieve the Self, separate from the body. It gives clarity on the characteristics of this Self.

This chapter also explains why the Self is attached to inanimate matter. It describes methods to distinguish these attachments.