Chapter 9
The Secret Knowledge of Devotion to attain Moksha
In this chapter, Shri Krishna continues to elaborate on his own nature and reveals his magnificence. He emphasizes that unwavering devotion to him will consistently guide us towards our betterment.
Verse 1 to 3
Shri Krishna addresses unconditional Bhakti in these verses. He reveals a secret to Arjun, given his lack of envy towards him, with the aim of liberating him from the cycle of life and death. Shri Krishna designates this knowledge as a secret because he respects the free will of all souls and refrains from imposing it upon them. He reiterates that individuals without belief or devotion to him remain entrapped in the cycle of life and death.
Verse 4 to 8
Hereafter, Shri Krishna commences elucidating his glorious essence to Arjun, recognizing Arjun's lack of envy and his absence of presumption about Shri Krishna's self-praise. Shri Krishna states that all living beings reside within him. He is the creator of all existence, and as each yuga concludes (as clarified earlier regarding Brahma’s Day), all souls return to him. Those who have not achieved union with him remain intertwined within him, and at the end of Brahma's night (the following day), these souls are once again regenerated based on their individual Karma.
Verse 9 and 10
These processes of creation and dissolution of the "shrishti" do not impact Shri Krishna. He assumes the role of a neutral observer, detached from both the acts of creation and annihilation. The entire cycle of creation to annihilation is executed by the foremost Lord Brahma, who is the firstborn, along with other souls designated by Shri Krishna.
Verse 11 and 12
Shri Krishna discusses his individual form and his incarnation on Earth. He asserts that those lacking complete devotion to him cannot perceive his true nature. Such individuals are ensnared by maya and hold misguided perceptions about the personal form of God. As a result, they do not attain the ultimate destination of moksha.
Verse 13 to 15
Shri Krishna delves into the attributes of devoted souls who are fully dedicated to him, and subsequently discusses the diverse methods through which individuals express their devotion. Some engage in continuous praise and glorification (kirtan), while others practice meditation. Certain devotees perceive God as formless, considering themselves to be one with God, while others venerate the universal aspect of God.
Verse 16 to 19
Shri Krishna proceeds to define his glorious self. In brief, he declares that everything in existence, along with its opposing counterpart, is an extension of him. He encompasses the roles of the Universe's father, mother, and grandfather, serving as both the source and culmination. Every element within our surroundings is a manifestation of him, including the Vedas and the sacred syllable Om.
Verse 20 and 21
Shri Krishna underscores that the soul's ultimate objective is to liberate itself from the cycle of life and death. Even attaining heaven (swarg lok) is not the ultimate goal. Individuals who perform rituals as prescribed in the Vedas do not break free from the cycle of life and death; they do experience the pleasures of heaven based on their virtuous deeds on Earth, but these experiences are temporary and eventually, they return to the earthly realm.
Verse 22
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita elucidates why surrendering to God is not a precarious choice but indeed the optimal one. Shri Krishna asserts that he attends to every requirement of those who devote themselves to him, encompassing both material and spiritual needs.
Verse 23 to 25
Those who venerate celestial deities (such as Kuber for wealth) inadvertently worship the Supreme Lord himself, as every celestial deity derives their power and vitality from the Supreme Lord. Although such individuals may attain material prosperity, they do not achieve spiritual elevation (and remain in the cycle of life and death) since celestial deities themselves are bound within this cycle. Those who supplicate to celestial deities reside in the realm associated with these deities and return to Earth once their accumulated positive karma is depleted. Likewise, those who honour ancestors dwell where their forebears are, and those who revere spirits inhabit the spirit realm.
Shri Krishna concludes by affirming that individuals who worship the Supreme Lord are destined for the abode of the Supreme Lord and attain liberation.
Verse 26 to 28
Shri Krishna affirms that anything presented to him with genuine affection and devotion is received by him with the utmost love. He imparts this insight to illustrate the simplicity of worshiping him – it necessitates only love and devotion. Additionally, he advocates dedicating all actions, including our daily endeavors, to him through pure devotion. By doing so, individuals liberate themselves from the shackles of Karma and the cycle of life and death.
Verse 29 to 32
Those who hold deep and unwavering devotion towards him hold a special place in his heart, yet he remains unbiased and treats all equally. Even individuals burdened by numerous transgressions can attain purification through exclusive devotion to him. Shri Krishna reinforces this assertion with great emphasis, emphasizing that anyone who seeks refuge in him with unreserved devotion will break free from the cycles of life and death. He assures that he will wholeheartedly nurture such individuals without any differentiation.
Verse 33
Those born into favourable circumstances (endowed with material wealth and well-off families) should dedicate time to Bhakti, ensuring they seize the opportunity to liberate themselves from the cycle of life and death.
Verse 34
Shri Krishna concludes that those who are wholeheartedly devoted to Bhakti towards him will assuredly attain him. There should be no doubt regarding this.
CONCLUSION: In this chapter, Shri Krishna delves deeper into his own splendour and the significance of devotion. He elucidates that through devotion, one attains his divine realm and breaks free from the cycle of life and death. In the ensuing chapter, Shri Krishna expounds further on his unparalleled magnificence.