Acharya Prashant explains verse 72 of the second chapter of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. He begins by stating that the 'Brahmi Sthiti' (the state of being established in Brahman) mentioned in the verse is synonymous with 'Sthitaprajnata' (stable wisdom), 'Nirmamata' (non-possessiveness), and the practice of 'Nishkam Karma Yoga' (action without desire for its fruits). The verse says that one who attains this state is not deluded and, even at the time of death ('antakaal'), attains the bliss of Brahman. The speaker then delves into the meaning of 'antakaal'. He argues against the literal interpretation of it as physical death. He points out that our joy is not snatched away by physical death, as we are not in a state of bliss right now, even though we are not dying. The real cause of our suffering is the 'end of time' for our mental constructs, hopes, and identities. The mind is the realm where all beginnings and ends occur. When our desires, hopes, and identities are shattered by reality, that is the 'end of time' for that particular mental construct, which causes us pain. Shri Krishna is saying that if you have the knowledge of your true nature (Brahman-swaroop), you will remain established in bliss even when these mental 'ends' occur. Acharya Prashant further explains that the mind wants to make its objects of desire immortal, and when they inevitably end, it suffers. This is the 'antakaal' that constantly troubles us. He then transitions to the beginning of the third chapter, where Arjun questions why Shri Krishna is pushing him into the terrible act of war if knowledge is superior to action. The speaker clarifies that Shri Krishna is not against all action, but against blind, desire-driven action ('sakam karma') that stems from conditioning and animalistic tendencies. True knowledge gives rise to a new, powerful action called 'Nishkam Karma' (desireless action), which is the action that arises from understanding ('bodh'). This is the action Shri Krishna is advocating.
