Striving diligently and purifying his heart, the yogi achieves perfection after many lifetimes and reaches the supreme goal.
Perfection in yoga is achieved through diligent effort and purification of the heart. Krishna emphasizes the cumulative nature of spiritual progress across lifetimes.
The yogi is superior to ascetics, superior to scholars, and superior to ritualists. Therefore, O Arjuna, be a yogi.
Krishna declares the yogi superior to other paths of asceticism, ritualism, or scholarship. This verse establishes yoga as the most effective means of self-realization.
Among all yogis, the one with faith who always worships Me with heart and soul absorbed in Me is considered the highest.
Faith and devotion are presented as the highest forms of yoga. Krishna concludes by affirming that those who love and worship Him wholeheartedly are the most evolved yogis.
Chapter 7
The Blessed Lord said: With your mind attached to Me, Arjuna, practicing yoga, and taking shelter in Me, you will without doubt know Me completely.
Krishna begins by addressing Arjuna’s initial attachment to understanding the ultimate path. Here, Krishna sets the stage for unveiling a holistic approach that harmonizes devotion, knowledge, and action, assuring Arjuna that such a path can lead to the ultimate truth without confusion.
I shall now explain to you fully this knowledge and wisdom, knowing which nothing else remains to be known in this world.
This shloka expands on the completeness of divine knowledge. Krishna emphasizes the transformational nature of wisdom that leaves no room for further doubt, building on the promise of enlightenment offered in the prior verses.
Among thousands of men, hardly one strives for perfection, and among those who strive, hardly one knows Me in truth.
Highlighting human striving for perfection, Krishna acknowledges the rarity of individuals who truly understand the essence of divinity. This sets the tone for appreciating the extraordinary effort and grace needed to comprehend higher spiritual truths.