Krishna Tells Arjuna to Do as He Wishes

Where the phrase appears

In the closing section of the Bhagavad Gītā (chapter 18), Krishna finishes a long teaching to Arjuna and, after summarising the essential wisdom, says in effect: “I have told you this supreme secret; reflect on it and then act as you will.” The standard reference is Bhagavad Gītā 18.63. The line is short, direct and often quoted because it seems to place the final responsibility for action on Arjuna rather than on Krishna.

Literal sense and immediate context

The context is important. Krishna has been Arjuna’s charioteer and teacher throughout the Kurukṣetra battlefield. He has described paths such as karma — action; jñāna — knowledge; and bhakti — devotion, and has explained how one’s correct orientation to action and duty (dharma) leads to liberation. When Krishna says “do as you wish,” the immediate thrust is not an abdication of guidance but a final emphasis on Arjuna’s agency: the teaching has been given, the truth revealed; now Arjuna must reflect (think things through) and decide.

How different readers have understood it

This apparently simple sentence has generated a rich range of readings across traditions and commentators. A few representative perspectives:

• Classical Vedānta / Advaita: Commentators in the Advaita tradition (for example, Adi Śaṅkara’s circle) often read the phrase as addressed to a disciple who, having received discriminative knowledge, must act in accordance with that knowledge. The freedom granted is the freedom of one who sees the true nature of self; action then becomes right by virtue of knowledge.
• Vaiṣṇava (Rāmānuja, Madhva) readings: In Vaiṣṇava exegesis, the emphasis is often on devotion and grace. Krishna’s words do not remove divine will; rather, they recognise that Arjuna’s mature response—now informed by grace—must be freely chosen. Some Vaiṣṇava interpreters stress that true surrender (śaraṇāgati — taking refuge) is a willing act, not coercion.
• Bhakti emphasises consent: Many bhakti-oriented teachers underline that divine love requires freedom. Even when the divine discloses the path, authentic return or devotion is chosen, not forced.
• Practical-ethical readings: Modern commentators often highlight the ethical lesson: moral teaching becomes real only when the agent understands and freely adopts it. Krishna’s final exhortation places moral responsibility squarely on Arjuna.

Freedom, responsibility and divine guidance — not contradiction

At first glance the idea “do as you wish” might seem to contradict frequent Gītā passages that describe the Lord as directing the cosmos. Many readers reconcile this by distinguishing levels:

• Theological level: The divine is the ultimate cause, sustaining the world.
• Pedagogical level: A teacher presents knowledge and removes confusion.
• Existential level: The individual must choose, act and accept responsibility.

Krishna’s voice in the Gītā combines compassionate authority with respect for the person addressed. The teaching models how a guru can give clear guidance without overriding the disciple’s moral freedom.

What this means for duty (dharma) and surrender (śaraṇāgati)

The verses invite a careful balance. Key points many readers draw out are:

• Knowledge should inform action: one should not act from ignorance or emotional paralysis.
• Surrender and freedom are complementary: sincere surrender is a deliberate, informed turning toward the divine.
• Responsibility matters: being told the right path does not relieve the agent from consequences or the need for discipline.

Practical takeaways for living traditions

How do contemporary practitioners and teachers use this moment?

• As a model of ethical agency: spiritual advice is not a substitute for one’s conscientious choice.
• As a pastoral reminder: teachers can guide, but they should not coerce. Devotional communities often stress the freedom of the seeker to accept teachings at their pace.
• As an argument against fatalism: the Gītā encourages informed action rather than passive resignation.

Common misreadings to avoid

Two frequent simplifications can mislead:

• “God told you to do nothing”: The phrase does not endorse passivity. The Gītā repeatedly calls for right action in accordance with knowledge and duty.
• “Krishna absolves all responsibility”: The text frames guidance as enabling moral freedom, not as removing obligation.

Living diversity: how communities render the sentence

In devotional songs, public discourses, and film, the phrase is often quoted to highlight human freedom or the dignity of conscience. In scholarly and temple-based contexts it is interpreted with attention to scriptural nuance. In Śaiva, Śākta and Smārta settings the emphasis may shift—some will stress inner yogic discipline, others ritual or devotion—but the core theme, that the seeker must integrate wisdom into life, remains common.

Short guided reflection

• Read the Gītā’s teachings and note one practical change you could make.
• Reflect for a week and decide deliberately whether you will adopt that change.
• Consider responsibility for consequences and adjust action accordingly.

Note: If reflection leads you to practices such as prolonged fasting or intensive breathwork, consult a health professional before starting.

Conclusion

Krishna’s final “do as you wish” is not a casual shrug but a careful pedagogical move. It honours Arjuna’s capacity to choose after receiving knowledge and compassion. Across Indian traditions, that sentence is read as an ethical hinge: clear teaching plus reflective freedom produces responsible action. The phrase continues to speak in modern life—reminding teachers to guide without coercing, and reminding seekers that spiritual instruction becomes real only when freely lived.