श्रद्धावाननसूयश्च श्रृणुयादपि यो नरः।सोऽपि मुक्तः शुभाँल्लोकान्प्राप्नुयात्पुण्यकर्मणाम्।।18.71।।
śraddhāvān anasūyaḥ ca śṛṇuyād api yaḥ naraḥ; so ’pi muktaḥ śubhān lokān prāpnuyāt puṇya‑karmāṇām.
Translation
Even a man who, with faith and without envy, listens to this teaching, also becomes liberated and attains the auspicious worlds of the pious.
Word Meanings
श्रद्धावान — faithful; अनसूयः — not envious; च — and; श्रृणुयाद् — should listen; अपि — even; यो — who; नरः — man; सोऽपि — also he; मुक्तः — liberated; शुभान् — auspicious; लोकान् — worlds; प्राप्नुयात् — may attain; पुण्य‑कर्मणाम् — of the pious deeds
Understanding the Verse
Verse 71 of Chapter 18 serves as a concise yet powerful summary of the Gita's ultimate promise. It emphasizes that the path to liberation is not reserved for scholars or ascetics alone; rather, a simple attitude of sincere faith (śraddhā) combined with a heart free from envy (anasūya) is sufficient to transcend the binding effects of material existence.
Faith here is not blind belief but an earnest willingness to hear and internalize the divine wisdom that Krishna imparts throughout the dialogue. When a seeker listens with such openness, the subtle vibrations of the sacred teachings begin to dissolve the ego‑centered tendencies that keep one entangled in samsara. This aligns with earlier verses that stress the importance of hearing (śṛṇvati) as the first step toward spiritual progress.
Non‑envy (anasūya) is equally critical. Envy erects a barrier of comparison and desire, fostering a mindset of scarcity that undermines inner peace. By relinquishing jealousy, the aspirant cultivates equanimity, allowing the knowledge to settle without resistance. The Gita repeatedly warns against the poison of envy, noting that it breeds ill‑will and obstructs the clarity required for true understanding.
The verse assures that once these two qualities are present—faithful listening and a non‑envious heart—the seeker is "muktaḥ," liberated from the bondages of karma. This liberation is not merely an abstract concept but a concrete transformation that enables the individual to "prāpnuyāt" attain the "śubhān lokān," the luminous realms where the pious dwell. These realms are described elsewhere as the heavenly abodes of those who have performed "puṇya‑karma," righteous actions performed without attachment to results.
Thus, the verse integrates the themes of knowledge (jnana), devotion (bhakti), and self‑less action (karma) that permeate the Gita. It conveys that the ultimate destination—attaining the auspicious worlds—is accessible through a simple yet profound internal disposition. By embracing faith and letting go of envy, one aligns with the divine will, thereby experiencing the freedom and bliss that the Gita promises to all sincere seekers. This final assurance reinforces the universal applicability of the Gita's teachings, reassuring readers that the path to liberation is open to anyone who approaches the scripture with a pure heart and an open mind.
