शक्य एवंविधो द्रष्टुं दृष्टवानसि मां यथा ||53||
O Arjuna, by undivided devotion, I can be known, seen, and entered into in truth, O scorcher of foes.
- Tattvena: Truly or essentially.
- Praveshtum: To enter.
- Parantapa: Scorcher of foes, referring to Arjuna.
The emphasis on devotion and sincerity as prerequisites for knowing, seeing, and entering Krishna’s divine essence underscores the transformational power of faith. Krishna redirects Arjuna’s focus to the importance of heartfelt surrender.
ज्ञातुं द्रष्टुं च तत्त्वेन प्रवेष्टुं च परन्तप ||54||
Bhakti alone can reveal the supreme truth about Me. Knowing this, one who loves and worships Me wholeheartedly becomes united with Me.
- Bhaktah: Devotee.
- Sangavarjitah: Free from attachment.
- Nirvairah: Without enmity.
Krishna highlights the attributes of a true devotee—selfless action, unwavering devotion, and freedom from malice. This shloka serves as a guide for spiritual seekers, linking virtuous conduct with divine realization.
निर्वैर: सर्वभूतेषु य: स मामेति पाण्डव ||55||
He who performs all actions for Me, regards Me as supreme, is devoted to Me, and harbors no malice, attains Me.
- Madbhaktah: My devotee.
- Mamet: Attains Me.
- Karma-krin: Performs actions for Me.
Concluding the chapter, Krishna reinforces the essence of devotion, humility, and detachment. The emphasis on surrendering actions to the divine and maintaining equanimity highlights the harmony between worldly duties and spiritual goals.
Chapter 12
Bhakti Yogah
एवं सततयुक्ता ये भक्तास्त्वां पर्युपासते |
ये चाप्यक्षरमव्यक्तं तेषां के योगवित्तमा: ||1||
Arjuna said: Thus those devotees who are ever steadfast and worship You and those who worship the imperishable and the unmanifest—which of them are better versed in Yoga?
- Arjuna: The devotee seeking guidance.
- Yoga: The discipline for self-realization.
- Akshara: The imperishable and unmanifest.
Arjuna seeks clarity on devotion to the manifest and the unmanifest, reflecting a universal dilemma in spiritual practice. This question sets the stage for Krishna to distinguish between devotion based on personal connection and the abstract pursuit of the imperceptible divine.
श्रद्धया परयोपेतास्ते मे युक्ततमा मता: ||2||
Sri Krishna said: Those who fix their minds on Me, worship Me always with supreme faith, and are ever steadfast, are considered by Me to be the most perfect in Yoga.
- Shraddha: Supreme faith and devotion.
- Upasana: The act of worship or meditation.
Krishna highlights the superiority of direct devotion with steadfast faith. This shloka emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of focusing on a personal connection with the divine, contrasting with abstract paths that require greater mental discipline.
सर्वत्रगमचिन्त्यञ्च कूटस्थमचलन्ध्रुवम् ||3||
But those who worship the imperishable, the indefinable, the unmanifest, the omnipresent, the inconceivable, the immutable, and the eternal,
- Akshara: The imperishable and eternal.
- Avyakta: The unmanifest, beyond perception.
The unmanifest path is introduced as one of abstraction and detachment. Krishna acknowledges this as a legitimate pursuit but subtly underscores its difficulty, particularly for those still deeply connected to worldly attachments.