Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 12 Bhakti Yogah

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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Bhakti Yogah - Knowledge is superior to practice; meditation excels knowledge; renunciation of the fruits of actions excels meditation; peace immediately follows renunciation.

श्रेयो हि ज्ञानमभ्यासाज्ज्ञानाद्ध्यानं विशिष्यते |
ध्यानात्कर्मफलत्यागस्त्यागाच्छान्तिरनन्तरम् ||12||

Knowledge is superior to practice; meditation excels knowledge; renunciation of the fruits of actions excels meditation; peace immediately follows renunciation.

Jnana: Knowledge or wisdom.
Dhyanam: Meditation as a spiritual practice.

Krishna prioritizes knowledge, meditation, and renunciation, showing the hierarchy of spiritual practices. This commentary integrates these elements, highlighting how each complements the other in achieving tranquility.

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Bhakti Yogah - He who has no hatred for any creature, who is friendly and compassionate, free from attachment and egoism, balanced in pleasure and pain, and forgiving,

अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्र: करुण एव च |
निर्ममो निरहङ्कार: समदु:खसुख: क्षमी ||13||

He who has no hatred for any creature, who is friendly and compassionate, free from attachment and egoism, balanced in pleasure and pain, and forgiving,

Adveshta: One free from hatred.
Karuna: Compassion for all beings.

Krishna outlines qualities of an ideal devotee, emphasizing non-hatred, compassion, and humility. This commentary broadens the perspective by connecting these attributes to the essence of true devotion.

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Bhakti Yogah - Ever-content, steady in meditation, self-controlled, and possessed of firm conviction, with mind and intellect fixed on Me—such a devotee is dear to Me.

सन्तुष्ट: सततं योगी यतात्मा दृढनिश्चय: |
मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्यो मद्भक्त: स मे प्रिय: ||14||

Ever-content, steady in meditation, self-controlled, and possessed of firm conviction, with mind and intellect fixed on Me—such a devotee is dear to Me.

Santushta: Contentment or satisfaction.
Dridhanishchaya: Firm determination or resolve.

The steadfast devotee is portrayed as self-controlled, unwavering, and content. This commentary elaborates on how such qualities naturally arise from consistent focus on the divine.

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