Gita 9.30
अपि चेत्सुदुराचारो भजते मामनन्यभाक् |
साधुरेव स मन्तव्य: सम्यग्व्यवसितो हि स: || 30||
api chet su-durāchāro bhajate mām ananya-bhāk
sādhur eva sa mantavyaḥ samyag vyavasito hi saḥ
Devotion to the Supreme Lord holds transformative power capable of reforming even the most fallen individuals. This is exemplified in the stories of Ajamil and Valmiki, widely recounted in Indian scriptures. Valmiki's sins were so severe that he struggled to utter the name "Ra..ma." In a creative effort to engage him in devotion, his Guru encouraged him to chant the syllables in reverse—“Ma Ra”—believing that repeating “Mara Mara Mara...” would eventually lead Valmiki to naturally recite “Rama.” This practice of ananya bhakti (exclusive devotion) ultimately transformed Valmiki into a revered saint.
The Ramayana echoes this transformation by stating that the world acknowledges Valmiki's elevation to sainthood through his chanting. This illustrates that sinners are not doomed to eternal damnation; rather, through the power of bhakti, even the most sinful individuals can restore their purity by sincerely dedicating themselves to God. Shree Krishna asserts that those who commit to exclusive worship should be regarded as righteous, as their heartfelt spiritual intention reflects their newfound purity.
Gita 9.31
क्षिप्रं भवति धर्मात्मा शश्वच्छान्तिं निगच्छति |
कौन्तेय प्रतिजानीहि न मे भक्त: प्रणश्यति || 31||
kṣhipraṁ bhavati dharmātmā śhaśhvach-chhāntiṁ nigachchhati
kaunteya pratijānīhi na me bhaktaḥ praṇaśhyati
Devotees are considered venerable not just for their correct resolve but because of the transformative power of exclusive devotion with unwavering faith in God. Shree Krishna explains that through this dedicated practice, their hearts will become purified, enabling them to develop saintly virtues. These divine virtues, such as truthfulness, compassion, and mercy, naturally emanate from God, and as His tiny parts, souls are inherently attracted to them. However, achieving these virtues has historically been challenging due to the impurities of the mind.
Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj emphasizes that virtues like truthfulness and non-violence cannot be attained without engaging in devotion to God. Just as oil stains cannot be washed out with water, true moral qualities cannot be fully realized without the purifying influence of devotion.
Shree Krishna reassures Arjun that His devotees will never perish, specifically declaring that among various seekers, it is His bhaktas (devotees) who are guaranteed preservation. This statement highlights God's care for His devotees; He emphasizes that while He may occasionally break His own promises, He never allows His devotees' words to fail. An example is given from the Mahabharata, where Krishna broke His vow to protect Bheeshma’s commitment to illustrate that He prioritizes the vows of His devoted followers. This underscores the reliability of Krishna's promise that His devotees will always be protected.
Gita 9.32
मां हि पार्थ व्यपाश्रित्य येऽपि स्यु: पापयोनय: |
स्त्रियो वैश्यास्तथा शूद्रास्तेऽपि यान्ति परां गतिम् || 32||
māṁ hi pārtha vyapāśhritya ye ’pi syuḥ pāpa-yonayaḥ
striyo vaiśhyās tathā śhūdrās te ’pi yānti parāṁ gatim
Individuals have varying fortunes in life based on their past deeds, with some born into pious families that instil good values, while others may come from less virtuous backgrounds due to previous sins. However, Shree Krishna emphasizes that regardless of birth, gender, caste, or race, anyone who takes complete shelter in Him can attain the supreme goal. This highlights the inclusivity of the path of devotion (bhakti), which is accessible to everyone, unlike other spiritual paths that impose strict eligibility criteria.
For the path of jñāna-yog, Jagadguru Shankaracharya states the eligibility:
vivekino viraktasya śhamādiguṇa śhalinaḥ
mukukṣhoraiva hi brahma jijñāsā yogyatā matāḥ
It requires individuals to possess qualities such as discrimination, detachment, and a deep yearning for liberation.
In the path of karm kāṇḍ (Vedic rituals), there are six conditions to be met for the rituals to be effective.
deśhe kāle upāyena dravyaṁ śhraddhā samanvitam
pātre pradīyate yattat sakalaṁ dharma lakṣhaṇam
The path of aṣhṭāṅg-yog also imposes strict regulations, particularly regarding the practice environment.
śhuchau deśhe pratiṣhṭhāpya
(Bhagavatam 3.28.8)
“Perform haṭha-yog in a pure place, while seated immovably in the proper asan.”
In stark contrast, bhakti-yog can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, at any time, without any restrictions or requirements.
The Padma Purāṇ states that God is not concerned with the time or place of devotion, but rather with the love in one’s heart.
na deśha niyamastasmin na kāla niyamasthathā (Padma Purāṇ)
As all souls are considered the children of God, He welcomes everyone who approaches Him with genuine love, reflecting the universal accessibility of devotion.
Gita 9.33
किं पुनर्ब्राह्मणा: पुण्या भक्ता राजर्षयस्तथा |
अनित्यमसुखं लोकमिमं प्राप्य भजस्व माम् || 33||
kiṁ punar brāhmaṇāḥ puṇyā bhaktā rājarṣhayas tathā
anityam asukhaṁ lokam imaṁ prāpya bhajasva mām
If even the most notorious sinners are assured success on the path of bhakti, then those with greater qualifications should have no reason to doubt their potential for attaining the supreme destination. Kings and sages, in particular, should feel even more confident about achieving their spiritual goals through ananya bhakti (exclusive devotion). Shree Krishna, therefore, urges Arjun, “As a noble king, understand that the world is temporary and filled with suffering. Dedicate yourself to unwavering devotion to Me, the source of unlimited eternal happiness. Otherwise, the privileges of being born into a royal and virtuous family, receiving a good education, and having favourable circumstances will ultimately be in vain if not directed toward the pursuit of the supreme goal.”
Gita 9.34
मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु |
मामेवैष्यसि युक्त्वैवमात्मानं मत्परायण: || 34||
man-manā bhava mad-bhakto mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru
mām evaiṣhyasi yuktvaivam ātmānaṁ mat-parāyaṇaḥ
Having emphasized the importance of bhakti, the path of devotion, throughout this chapter, Shree Krishna now urges Arjun to become His devotee. He encourages Arjun to unite his consciousness with God through true Yoga by worshipping Him, meditating on His divine form, and offering humble obeisance.
The act of namaskuru (humble obeisance) serves to diminish any remnants of egotism that may arise during the practice of devotion. Therefore, free from pride and fully immersed in love, one should dedicate all thoughts and actions to the Supreme. Shree Krishna assures Arjun that such complete union with Him through bhakti-yog will undoubtedly lead to God-realization; there should be no doubt about this.
Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Bhagavad Gita [English]- 8.2.2025
