लभन्ते ब्रह्मनिर्वाणमृषयः क्षीणकल्मषाः ।
छिन्नद्वैधा यतात्मानः सर्वभूतहिते रताः ।। ५.२५ ।।

labhante brahma-nirvāṇam ṛṣayaḥ kṣīṇa-kalmaṣāḥ |
chinna-dvaidhā yatātmānaḥ sarva-bhūta-hite ratāḥ || 5.25 ||

In the beginning of the gospel (chapter 2), Krishna may seem to suggest that spiritual enlightenment calls for complete withdrawal from external activities and involvement. But is this really so? Here in verse 5.25, he gives a full answer to this. Self-knowledge verily means gaining freedom from the mind’s own shackles. That will instantly mean inner composure and inner brilliance. What inevitably follows is a great expansion of the heart and mind. Dependence and desire for the objects keep the mind subdued and selfish. With the inward delight filling the mind and heart, all forms of narrowness dissolve. The enlightened hearts thus become sarva-bhuta-hite ratah – engaged in the welfare of all beings. Free of all selfish constrictions, the Knower becomes universal in his outlook and motivations.

Instead of being constricted by the thoughts and activities revolving around himself and his family, he remains engaged in the lasting welfare of the entire world, particularly the well-being of all creatures. Spirituality means such expansion, besides the freedom and joy it delivers from within – Krishna emphasizes.