Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 12 Bhakti Yogah

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.

Bookmark removed

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.

Bookmark removed

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.

Bookmark removed

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.

Bookmark removed

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.

Bookmark removed

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.

Bookmark removed

यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च य: |
हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो य: स च मे प्रिय: ||15||

He by whom the world is not agitated, and who cannot be agitated by the world, who is free from joy, envy, fear, and anxiety—he is dear to Me.

Udvijate: To be agitated or disturbed.
Bhaya: Fear or anxiety.

Krishna describes a devotee who neither disturbs nor is disturbed by the world. This commentary links such equanimity to detachment from worldly reactions, paving the way for inner peace.

Bookmark removed