Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 12 Bhakti Yogah

Bhakti Yogah - Greater is the trouble of those whose minds are set on the unmanifest; for the unmanifest goal is very difficult for the embodied to reach.

क्लेशोऽधिकतरस्तेषामव्यक्तासक्तचेतसाम् || अव्यक्ता हि गतिर्दु:खं देहवद्भिरवाप्यते ||5||

Greater is the trouble of those whose minds are set on the unmanifest; for the unmanifest goal is very difficult for the embodied to reach.

Klesha: Difficulties or hardships.
Avyakta: The unmanifest, imperceptible state.

Krishna stresses the hardships faced by those who pursue the unmanifest path. He gently steers attention toward the more practical path of devotion to the manifest divine, which is less arduous for the embodied soul.

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Bhakti Yogah - But those who, dedicating all actions to Me and holding Me as their supreme goal, worship Me, meditating on Me with an undistracted mind—

ये तु सर्वाणि कर्माणि मयि संन्न्यस्य मत्पर: |
अनन्येनैव योगेन मां ध्यायन्त उपासते ||6||

But those who, dedicating all actions to Me and holding Me as their supreme goal, worship Me, meditating on Me with an undistracted mind—

Karma: Actions performed selflessly.
Yoga: Union with the divine through devotion.

Selfless action dedicated to Krishna is portrayed as a viable and fulfilling path. This commentary expands on how such actions, performed without desire for results, help devotees remain connected and focused on their spiritual goals.

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तेषामहं समुद्धर्ता मृत्युसंसारसागरात् |
भवामि नचिरात्पार्थ मय्यावेशितचेतसाम् ||7||

To these whose minds are set on Me, O Partha, I become ere long the savior from the ocean of the mortal world.

Mrityusamsara: The ocean of birth and death.
Samuddharta: The savior or rescuer.

Krishna assures that unwavering devotion transforms mortal struggles into liberation. This builds on the earlier discussion, promising divine intervention for those who surrender their minds and actions to Him.

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मय्येव मन आधत्स्व मयि बुद्धिं निवेशय |
निवसिष्यसि मय्येव अत ऊर्ध्वं न संशय: ||8||

Fix your mind on Me, let your intellect dwell in Me; thereafter you shall live in Me alone. There is no doubt of this.

Manas: The mind, which must be focused.
Buddhi: The intellect, leading to realization.

Krishna advocates for wholehearted surrender of the mind and intellect. The commentary deepens the understanding of surrender as not only a practice but a state of being that ensures liberation.

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अथ चित्तं समाधातुं न शक्नोषि मयि स्थिरम् |
अभ्यासयोगेन ततो मामिच्छाप्तुं धनञ्जय ||9||

If you cannot fix your mind steadily on Me, then, by the practice of Yoga, seek to reach Me, O Arjuna.

Abhyasa: Practice or repeated effort.
Dhananjaya: Another name for Arjuna.

For those struggling with surrender, Krishna offers the alternative of consistent practice. This commentary reassures devotees that spiritual progress is gradual and adaptable to individual capacities.

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Bhakti Yogah - If you are unable to practice even this, be intent on performing actions for My sake. By doing actions for My sake, you will attain perfection.

अभ्यासेऽप्यसमर्थोऽसि मत्कर्मपरमो भव |
मदर्थमपि कर्माणि कुर्वन्सिद्धिमवाप्स्यसि ||10||

If you are unable to practice even this, be intent on performing actions for My sake. By doing actions for My sake, you will attain perfection.

Matkarma: Actions done for the divine.
Siddhi: Perfection or attainment.

Krishna introduces action for the divine as a step toward perfection. This commentary bridges the gap between passive faith and active service, making spirituality tangible through purposeful deeds.

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अथैतदप्यशक्तोऽसि कर्तुं मद्योगमाश्रित: |
सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं तत: कुरु यतात्मवान् ||11||

If you are unable to do even this, then taking refuge in Me, renounce the fruits of all actions with self-control.

Phala: The fruits or results of actions.
Tyaga: Renunciation or detachment.

Renunciation of the fruits of action becomes a practical path for those unable to commit fully to devotion or practice. This commentary connects renunciation with inner peace and spiritual detachment.

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