[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]
The Bhagavad-Geeta - Chapter 12
%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%
The Bhagavad-Geeta
Copyright 1988 by Dr. Ramanand Prasad - All Rights Reserved
Reproduction in for-sale media is prohibited.
%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%
CHAPTER 12
PATH OF DEVOTION
Arjuna said: Those ever-steadfast devotees (or Bhaktas) who thus
worship You (as the manifest or personal God), and those who
worship the eternal unmanifest (the formless or impersonal) Brahman
(by developing Jnana), which of these has the best knowledge of
yoga? (12.01)
The Supreme Lord said: Those ever steadfast devotees who worship
with supreme faith by fixing their mind on Me as personal God, I
consider them to be the best yogis. (See also 6.47) (12.02)
But those who worship the imperishable, the undefinable, the
unmanifest, the omnipresent, the unthinkable, the unchanging, the
immovable, and the eternal Brahman; (12.03)
Restraining all the senses, even minded under all circumstances,
engaged in the welfare of all creatures, they also attain Me.
(12.04)
Self-realization is more difficult for those who fix their mind on
the formless Brahman, because the comprehension of the unmanifest
Brahman by the average embodied human being is very difficult.
(12.05)
But, to those who worship Me as the personal God, renouncing all
actions to Me; setting Me as their supreme goal, and meditating on
Me with single minded devotion; (12.06)
I swiftly become their savior, from the world that is the ocean of
death and transmigration, whose thoughts are set on Me, O Arjuna.
(12.07)
Therefore, focus your mind on Me alone and let your intellect dwell
upon Me through meditation and contemplation. Thereafter you shall
certainly come to Me. (12.08)
If you are unable to meditate (or focus your mind) steadily on Me,
then seek to reach Me, O Arjuna, by practice of (any other)
spiritual discipline (or Sadhana of your choice). (12.09)
If you are unable even to do any Sadhana, then be intent on
performing your duty for Me. You shall attain perfection just by
working for Me (as an instrument, just to serve and please Me,
without selfish motives). (See also 9.27, 18.46) (12.10)
If you are unable to work for Me then just surrender unto My will
with subdued mind, and renounce (the attachment to, and the anxiety
for) the fruits of all work (by learning to accept all results, as
God-given, with equanimity). (12.11)
Knowledge is better than mere ritualistic practice, meditation is
better than mere knowledge, renunciation of the fruit of work is
better than meditation, peace immediately follows the renunciation
of (the attachment to) the fruit of work. (See more on renunciation
in Chapter 18) (12.12)
One who does not hate any creature, who is friendly and
compassionate, free from (the notion of) "I" and "my", even-minded
in pain and pleasure, forgiving; and (12.13)
The yogi who is ever content, who has subdued the mind, whose
resolve is firm, whose mind and intellect are engaged in dwelling
upon Me; such a devotee is dear to Me. (12.14)
The one by whom others are not agitated, and who is not agitated by
others; who is free from joy, envy, fear, and anxiety; is also dear
to Me. (12.15)
One who is free from desires; who is pure, wise, impartial, and
free from anxiety; who has renounced (the doership in) all
undertakings; and who is devoted to Me, is dear to Me. (12.16)
One who neither rejoices nor grieves, neither likes nor dislikes,
who has renounced both the good and the evil, and who is full of
devotion, such a person is dear to Me. (12.17)
The one who remains the same towards friend or foe, in honor or
disgrace, in heat or cold, in pleasure or pain; who is free from
attachment; and (12.18)
The one who is indifferent or silent in censure or praise, content
with anything, unattached to a place (country, or house),
equanimous, and full of devotion; that person is dear to Me.
(12.19)
But those devotees who have faith and sincerely try to develop the
above mentioned immortal virtues, and set Me as their supreme goal;
are very dear to Me. (12.20)
%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%
The Bhagavad-Geeta
Copyright 1988 by Dr. Ramanand Prasad - All Rights Reserved
Reproduction in for-sale media is prohibited.
%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%:%
ABSOLUTELY FREE GEETA LESSONS for beginners and busy people in
simple English sponsored jointly by Ramayan Sabha and the American
Gita Society of California. Write 511 Lowell Place, Fremont, CA
94536-1805 USA, or call 510/791-6953 evenings and weekends. No
donations ever asked.
*-=Om Shanti=-* Jai Maharaj <jai@mantra.com>
Jyotishi, Vedic Astrologer
who is solely responsible for any typographical
errors present in this electronic version.
