The Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom

Krishna elaborates on the jnani's special status. 'Udārāḥ sarva evaite'—all these devotees are magnanimous. 'Jñānī tv ātmaiva me matam'—but the wise one, I consider to be just like My own self. 'Āsthitaḥ sa hi yuktātmā mām evānuttamāṁ gatim'—being situated, with mind fixed, he attains Me, the highest goal. This verse shows that while all four types are noble, the jnani has a special relationship—Krishna considers them like His own self. The jnani, with mind fixed on Krishna, attains the highest goal. This connects to verse 7.17's teaching about the jnani being most dear and prepares for verse 7.19's description of the jnani's rarity.