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 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.
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.
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.
But those who worship the imperishable, the indefinable, the unmanifest, the omnipresent, the inconceivable, the immutable, and the eternal,
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.
Having restrained all the senses, remaining even-minded everywhere, engaged in the welfare of all beings—such persons attain Me alone.
Krishna praises the qualities needed for the unmanifest path—self-restraint and universal goodwill. This commentary reinforces the idea that devotion to the unmanifest requires profound inner discipline and selflessness.
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.
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.
But those who, dedicating all actions to Me and holding Me as their supreme goal, worship Me, meditating on Me with an undistracted mind—
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.
To these whose minds are set on Me, O Partha, I become ere long the savior from the ocean of the mortal world.
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.