Chapter 12
Who should one Pray to and have Devotion for
Concluding the series of six chapters centred on devotion (Bhakti), this chapter serves as the final segment. Shri Krishna addresses Arjun's query regarding whether one should pray to the Formless Brahman or Shri Krishna in his personal form. He outlines the process of Bhakti, presenting a path that accommodates both beginners and those well-versed in devotion. Additionally, Shri Krishna delineates the qualities that devotees should possess to attain union (Yog) with him.
Arjuns question 12
Verse 1
Arjuna inquires of Shri Krishna regarding what he deems to be more adept for attaining Yog (spiritual union with God) – the worship of the formless Brahman or the personal form of God (like Shri Krishna).
Shri Krishnas Answer 12
Verse 2 to 5
Shri Krishna asserts that the one devoted to his personal form with steadfast faith is the foremost Yogi. He adds that those who revere the formless Brahman with a pure heart and self-control also attain him, though such devotion is tougher due to human body-consciousness.
Verse 6 and 7
By Shri Krishna's divine grace, those wholly immersed in his Bhakti are liberated from the cycle of life and death.
Verse 8 to 11
From this point onward, Shri Krishna proceeds to elucidate the process of Bhakti, progressively simplifying the path for devotees. He conveys:
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One should concentrate their mind and intellect to him.
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If focusing the mind and intellect on him is challenging, then one must remember him with devotion while restraining the mind from worldly concerns.
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If one is unable to remember Shri Krishna with devotion then one must do whatever work one does in his name.
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Finally, if one is even unable to devote everything in his name then one must detach from the fruits of one’s actions.
Verse 12
Shri Krishna now elucidates the path to detachment from the fruits of actions:
1. Knowledge of spirituality surpasses mere rituals.
2. Meditation transcends knowledge.
3. Detachment from the fruits of action exceeds meditation.
By renouncing the outcomes of actions, one attains mental peace, paving the way for profound meditation to attain Yog.
Verse 13 to 19
Shri Krishna proceeds to describe the attributes of his genuine devotees that endear them to him:
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Absence of ill-will, compassion, friendliness, and humility.
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Equanimity amidst joy and sorrow, devoid of fear and anxiety.
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Patience, contentment, self-restraint, untouched by grief or desire.
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Treats friend and foe alike.
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Dedicated to Shri Krishna in both thought and intellect.
Verse 20
Shri Krishna concludes by affirming that those devotees who ardently practice bhakti and embody the mentioned qualities are cherished by him and are ideally suited for union with him through Yog.
Conclusion: This chapter marks the culmination of the 6 chapters dedicated to devotion. Shri Krishna has provided a straightforward path to becoming a devotee and identifying true devotion to God. In the upcoming chapters, Shri Krishna delves into imparting knowledge from religious texts (Vedas) and guiding principles for leading a purposeful life.