Bhagavad Gita 18.73 — Arjuna's Delusion Is Destroyed: 'I Will Act According to Your Word'
अर्जुन उवाच ।
नष्टो मोहः स्मृतिर्लब्धा त्वत्प्रसादान्मयाच्युत ।
स्थितोऽस्मि गतसन्देहः करिष्ये वचनं तव ॥ १८.७३ ॥
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Arjuna said: My delusion is destroyed, and I have regained my memory by Your grace, O Achyuta. I stand firm, with my doubts dispelled. I shall act according to Your word.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| naṣhṭaḥ | destroyed |
| mohaḥ | delusion |
| smṛtiḥ | memory |
| labdhā | regained |
| tvatprasādāt | by Your grace |
| mayā | by me |
| achyuta | O Achyuta, O infallible one (Krishna) |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sthitaḥ | established, firm |
| asmi | I am |
| gatasandehaḥ | with doubts gone |
| kariṣhye | I shall act, I shall do |
| vachanam | word, instruction |
| tava | Your |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| naṣhṭaḥ | destroyed | sthitaḥ | established, firm |
| mohaḥ | delusion | asmi | I am |
| smṛtiḥ | memory | gatasandehaḥ | with doubts gone |
| labdhā | regained | kariṣhye | I shall act, I shall do |
| tvatprasādāt | by Your grace | vachanam | word, instruction |
| mayā | by me | tava | Your |
| achyuta | O Achyuta, O infallible one (Krishna) | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Here Arjuna gives his reply, and it is one of the most important statements in the Gita. He declares that his delusion is gone, that he has regained clarity by the Lord's grace, that his doubts have vanished, and that he will act according to the Lord's word.
Essence
The transformation of Arjuna
This verse is the answer to the whole Gita. Arjuna, who began in despair, now speaks as a different person. Each phrase shows a part of his transformation.
Naṣṭo mohaḥ (my delusion is destroyed): The confusion that had overwhelmed him, the sense that his duty and his love for his family were in hopeless conflict, has dissolved. He now sees the situation clearly.
Smṛtir labdhā (I have regained clarity, memory): The word smṛti means memory, and here it stands for the recollection of his true nature, his purpose, and his dharma. It suggests that the knowledge was not entirely new. In his confusion he had forgotten something that, deep down, he knew. The teaching has awakened it.
Tvat-prasādān mayācyuta (by Your grace, O Acyuta): Arjuna attributes this change to the grace of Lord Krishna. The name Acyuta means the one who never falls or fails. Arjuna acknowledges that his own cleverness could not have lifted him out of the confusion.
Sthito 'smi gata-sandehaḥ (I stand firm, with my doubts gone): The word sthita means established or steady. Arjuna was shaking and ready to collapse at the beginning, but he now stands firm.
Kariṣye vacanaṁ tava (I shall act according to Your word): He will now act, with understanding and willing commitment. Recall that in verse 63 Lord Krishna had said, do as you wish. Arjuna's choice is therefore free. It is not obedience under pressure but the decision of a clear mind.
What does the change look like?
Notice that Arjuna does not say that all his questions have been answered in a theoretical way. He says that his doubt has gone and that he is established. The change is both intellectual and inner. He moves from paralysis to purposeful action, and from grief to steadiness.
Message for Everyday Life (From Confusion to Commitment)
Most of us have faced moments when we felt stuck between competing duties and fears. Clarity rarely arrives all at once, but when it does, it brings energy and calm.
A reflection: Think of a time when confusion lifted and you knew what to do. What helped most? Often it is honest reflection, wise counsel, and a willingness to let go of fear. Use that same process the next time you feel lost.
The transformation of Arjuna
This verse is the answer to the whole Gita. Arjuna, who began in despair, now speaks as a different person. Each phrase shows a part of his transformation.
Naṣṭo mohaḥ (my delusion is destroyed): The confusion that had overwhelmed him, the sense that his duty and his love for his family were in hopeless conflict, has dissolved. He now sees the situation clearly.
Smṛtir labdhā (I have regained clarity, memory): The word smṛti means memory, and here it stands for the recollection of his true nature, his purpose, and his dharma. It suggests that the knowledge was not entirely new. In his confusion he had forgotten something that, deep down, he knew. The teaching has awakened it.
Tvat-prasādān mayācyuta (by Your grace, O Acyuta): Arjuna attributes this change to the grace of Lord Krishna. The name Acyuta means the one who never falls or fails. Arjuna acknowledges that his own cleverness could not have lifted him out of the confusion.
Sthito 'smi gata-sandehaḥ (I stand firm, with my doubts gone): The word sthita means established or steady. Arjuna was shaking and ready to collapse at the beginning, but he now stands firm.
Kariṣye vacanaṁ tava (I shall act according to Your word): He will now act, with understanding and willing commitment. Recall that in verse 63 Lord Krishna had said, do as you wish. Arjuna's choice is therefore free. It is not obedience under pressure but the decision of a clear mind.
What does the change look like?
Notice that Arjuna does not say that all his questions have been answered in a theoretical way. He says that his doubt has gone and that he is established. The change is both intellectual and inner. He moves from paralysis to purposeful action, and from grief to steadiness.
Message for Everyday Life (From Confusion to Commitment)
Most of us have faced moments when we felt stuck between competing duties and fears. Clarity rarely arrives all at once, but when it does, it brings energy and calm.
A reflection: Think of a time when confusion lifted and you knew what to do. What helped most? Often it is honest reflection, wise counsel, and a willingness to let go of fear. Use that same process the next time you feel lost.
Next Topic
Arjuna has declared that his delusion is gone and that he will act. With this, the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna is complete. In the next verse, Sañjaya, who has been narrating the entire dialogue to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, begins his closing words.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
When doubts fall away, action begins.
Thank the one who lights your way.
Clear hearts make firm decisions.
Even deep confusion can end.
Knowing what to do is a kind of freedom.
Standing firm is the fruit of understanding.
From collapse to commitment is the Gita's journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'naṣhṭaḥ mohaḥ' (delusion is destroyed) mean?
What is 'smṛtiḥ' (memory) that Arjuna says he has regained?
Why does Arjuna say 'tvatprasādāt' (by Your grace)?
What does 'kariṣhye vachanam tava' (I shall act according to Your word) mean?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
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