The Most Confidential Knowledge
Verses 1-34
In the previous chapter, Lord Krsna mentioned about indulgence of in Ananya-bhakti by a pure devotee unto him, who surpasses the paths of light and darkness. In this chapter Krsna explains how one become such a devotee. At this moment revisit
· Chapters 2-6 which conveys confidential (guhya)- Knowledge of matter and spirit
· Chapters 7-8 which conveys (guhyatara) more confidential- knowledge of Bhakti
· Chapter 9 which conveys (guhyatama) most confidential- knowledge of kevala bhakti describing the indescribable, majestic aisvarya of Krsna and excellence of a pure devotee
If we look at Gita as a whole, then it is believed that the essence of Git ais in the middle six chapters and the chapter number 9 and 10 are further the essence of these six chapters as they appear exactly at the center of the Gita.
In the Slokas/Verses 1-3 Krsna glorifies the knowledge he is about to reveal, in Slokas/Verses 4-10 Krsna’s relationship with this world (aisvarya jnana) is described. In Slokas/Verses 11-25, different types of worshipers of Lord Krsna are detailed and in the end slokas/verses 26-34 the glories of Krsna Bhakti are described.
Lord Krsna described Karma -Yoga in Chapter 3 and later elaborated in depth in Chapter 5, in the same manner Krsna has described Bhakti Yoga in Chapter 7 and elaborated in this chapter 9. There is a huge similarity in the flow of thought and concepts discussed in both chapters with this chapter having more depth.
In the Verses 1-3 Lord Krsna clearly states that non enviousness (Anasuya) and faith (sraddha) are the two real qualifications to receive the knowledge (jnanam) of pure bhakti and thus realization of (Vijnanam) Supreme Lord Krsna. In these verses Krsna Glorifies the knowledge he is about to reveal.
In verses 9.1 to 9.10 Bhagavat Aishvarya Jnana is described
Verse 1
श्रीभगवानुवाच
इदं तु ते गुह्यतमं प्रवक्ष्याम्यनसूयवे ।
ज्ञानं विज्ञानसहितं यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात् ॥ १ ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca
idaṁ tu te guhya-tamaṁ
pravakṣyāmy anasūyave
jñānaṁ vijñāna-sahitaṁ
yaj jñātvā mokṣyase ’śubhāt
Translation
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: My dear Arjuna, because you are never envious of Me, I shall impart to you this most confidential knowledge and realization, knowing which you shall be relieved of the miseries of material existence.
Purport
The word anusuyave mentioned above is significant- Arjuna is not envious, selfish or hostile, and doesn’t see any faults in Krsna. Thus he can understand Krsna.
Envious and selfish people cannot understand Krsna or the knowledge of His devotional service.
Devotees are continuously devoted to serving the Supreme Lord. The Lord perceives the mindset and genuine intention of each individual engaged in Krsna consciousness, granting them the wisdom to comprehend the science of Krsna through the company of fellow devotees. Engaging in discussions about Krsna is incredibly powerful; a fortunate individual who seeks to absorb this knowledge in such an environment will undoubtedly progress toward spiritual enlightenment. In the Ninth Chapter, Lord Krsna, aiming to elevate Arjuna further in His divine service, reveals teachings that are more profound than anything previously shared.The initial chapter of the Bhagavad-gītā serves primarily as an introduction to the text, while the Second and Third chapters present spiritual wisdom that is considered confidential. The topics explored in the Seventh and Eighth chapters focus specifically on devotional service and are deemed even more confidential due to their capacity to illuminate Krsna consciousness. However, the subjects addressed in the Ninth Chapter pertain to pure, unadulterated devotion, earning it the title of the most confidential knowledge. Those who grasp this highest understanding of Krsna naturally transcend material suffering, even while residing in the material world. The Bhakti-rasamrta sindhu states that an individual with a sincere desire to serve the Supreme Lord, despite being in a conditioned state, should be regarded as liberated. Similarly, in the Tenth Chapter of the Bhagavad-gītā, we find that anyone engaged in such devotion is considered a liberated soul.
The first verse holds particular importance. The term idaṁ jñānam (“this knowledge”) specifically pertains to pure devotional service, which encompasses nine distinct practices: hearing, chanting, remembering, serving, worshiping, praying, obeying, fostering friendship, and complete surrender. Engaging in these nine aspects of devotional service elevates an individual to spiritual awareness, or Krsna consciousness. Once the heart is purified of material impurities, one can grasp the essence of Krsna's teachings. However, merely recognizing that a living entity is not material is insufficient. While this may mark the initial step toward spiritual awakening, it is crucial to distinguish between bodily activities and the spiritual actions of someone who comprehends that they are not merely their physical form.
In the Seventh Chapter, we explored the magnificent power of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, along with His various energies, and the distinctions between the inferior and superior natures, as well as the entirety of this material creation. Now, in Chapter Nine, we will elaborate on the glories of the Lord.
The Sanskrit term anasūyave in this verse carries significant meaning. Typically, even the most learned commentators harbor envy toward Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Many distinguished scholars produce inaccurate interpretations of the Bhagavad-gītā because of this envy, rendering their commentaries ineffective. In contrast, the insights provided by the Lord's devotees are authentic and trustworthy. It is impossible for anyone who is envious to accurately explain the Bhagavad-gītā or convey a true understanding of Krsna. Those who criticize Krsna's character without truly knowing Him are misguided. Therefore, such commentaries should be approached with caution. For individuals who recognize Krsna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead—pure and transcendental—these chapters will prove to be immensely beneficial.
Verse 2
राजविद्या राजगुह्यं पवित्रमिदमुत्तमम् ।
प्रत्यक्षावगमं धर्म्यं सुसुखं कर्तुमव्ययम् ॥ २ ॥
rāja-vidyā rāja-guhyaṁ
pavitram idam uttamam
pratyakṣāvagamaṁ dharmyaṁ
su-sukhaṁ kartum avyayam
Translation
This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct perception of the self by realization, it is the perfection of religion. It is everlasting, and it is joyfully performed.
Purport
This chapter of the Bhagavad-gītā is referred to as the "king of education" because it encapsulates the core principles of all the teachings and philosophies presented earlier.
1. raja vidya – king of all education (essence of all philosophies)
2. raja guhyam – king of all secrets (about the eternal activities of the soul)
3. pavitram idam – Purest of all, purifies one of all material contamination
4. uttamam – Transcendental to the darkness or ignorance of this world give direct experience of self by realization
6. dharmyam – Perfection of Religion i.e. service to the Supreme Lord
7. su-sukham kartum – Easily and joyfully perfomed
8. Avyayam – Everlasting, eternal, indestructible i.e. beyond the modes
This chapter of the Bhagavad-gītā is referred to as the "king of education" because it encapsulates the core principles of all the teachings and philosophies presented earlier.
Verse 3
अश्रद्दधाना: पुरुषा धर्मस्यास्य परन्तप ।
अप्राप्य मां निवर्तन्ते मृत्युसंसारवर्त्मनि ॥ ३ ॥
aśraddadhānāḥ puruṣā
dharmasyāsya paran-tapa
aprāpya māṁ nivartante
mṛtyu-saṁsāra-vartmani
Translation
Those who are not faithful in this devotional service cannot attain Me, O conqueror of enemies. Therefore they return to the path of birth and death in this material world.
Purport
Real faith is the complete conviction that simply by serving the Supreme Lord, Śrī Krsna, one can achieve all perfection. Such faith is created by association of devotees.
In the verses 4-10 – Aisvarya jnana is delivered by Krsna about his relationship with this world.
In Verse 4-6 it is highlighted that whole world is maintained by krishna’s energies and yet he is not in everything.
Verse 4
मया ततमिदं सर्वं जगदव्यक्तमूर्तिना ।
मत्स्थानि सर्वभूतानि न चाहं तेष्ववस्थित: ॥ ४ ॥
mayā tatam idaṁ sarvaṁ
jagad avyakta-mūrtinā
mat-sthāni sarva-bhūtāni
na cāhaṁ teṣv avasthitaḥ
Translation
By Me, in My unmanifested form, this entire universe is pervaded. All beings are in Me, but I am not in them.
Purport
The name, fame, and pastimes of Lord Sri Krsna cannot be perceived through material senses. He is revealed only to those who engage in pure devotional service under the right guidance. Although He is omnipresent, as indicated by the term avyakta-mūrtinā, He cannot be grasped by material senses. Nevertheless, everything exists within Him. As discussed in the Seventh Chapter, the entire material universe is merely a combination of His two energies: the superior spiritual energy and the inferior material energy. Just as sunlight permeates the universe, the Lord's energy is distributed throughout creation, and everything relies on that energy.
However, one should not assume that His omnipresence means He lacks a personal existence. To counter such a notion, the Lord asserts, "I am everywhere, and everything is in Me, yet I remain detached." For instance, a king oversees a government, which is a manifestation of the king's authority; the various governmental departments are extensions of the king's energy, all resting on his power. Yet, one cannot expect the king to be physically present in every department. This serves as a basic analogy. Similarly, all that we observe and everything that exists, both in the material and spiritual realms, depends on the energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Creation arises from the distribution of His various energies, and as mentioned in the Bhagavad-gītā, "viṣṭabhyāham idaṁ kṛtsnam": He is present everywhere through the manifestation of His diverse energies.
Verse 5
न च मत्स्थानि भूतानि पश्य मे योगमैश्वरम् ।
भूतभृन्न च भूतस्थो ममात्मा भूतभावन: ॥ ५ ॥
na ca mat-sthāni bhūtāni
paśya me yogam aiśvaram
bhūta-bhṛn na ca bhūta-stho
mamātmā bhūta-bhāvanaḥ
Translation
And yet everything that is created does not rest in Me. Behold My mystic opulence! Although I am the maintainer of all living entities and although I am everywhere, I am not a part of this cosmic manifestation, for My Self is the very source of creation.
Purport
Krishna’s inconceivable mystic power is described in these lines. In previous sloka Krishna said that he is the maintainer, sustainer and shelter of whole universe. But in this sloka he tells exactly opposite. It appears contradicting but Lord Krsna is not directly concerned with the maintenance of this universe but his inconceivable energies are responsible for that. For example these planets are floating in space which is ever expanding, this space is Supreme Lord’s energy. but he is different from space. The continuous movement of all the species of living entities always depends on the will of Krsna. This is explained as yogam aisvaram, the mystic power of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Verse 6
यथाकाशस्थितो नित्यं वायु: सर्वत्रगो महान् ।
तथा सर्वाणि भूतानि मत्स्थानीत्युपधारय ॥ ६ ॥
yathākāśa-sthito nityaṁ
vāyuḥ sarvatra-go mahān
tathā sarvāṇi bhūtāni
mat-sthānīty upadhāraya
Translation
Understand that as the mighty wind, blowing everywhere, rests always in the sky, all created beings rest in Me
Purport
The vastness of the sky is perhaps the most profound concept we can grasp. Within this cosmic expanse, the wind, or air, is a force of immense power. Its movements influence the actions of all things. Yet, despite its grandeur, the wind is confined within the sky; it does not transcend it. In a similar way, all the magnificent cosmic manifestations exist due to the supreme will of God. They are all subject to this divine power. As the saying goes, not even a blade of grass stirs without the will of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, everything moves according to His plan: He creates, sustains, and destroys all things. Yet, He remains aloof from the world, just as the sky is always unaffected by the wind's activities.
Verse 7
सर्वभूतानि कौन्तेय प्रकृतिं यान्ति मामिकाम् ।
कल्पक्षये पुनस्तानि कल्पादौ विसृजाम्यहम् ॥ ७ ॥
sarva-bhūtāni kaunteya
prakṛtiṁ yānti māmikām
kalpa-kṣaye punas tāni
kalpādau visṛjāmy aham
Translation
O son of Kuntī, at the end of the millennium all material manifestations enter into My nature, and at the beginning of another millennium, by My potency, I create them again.
Purport
The creation, preservation, and destruction of this material universe are entirely controlled by the supreme will of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The phrase "at the end of the millennium" refers to the death of Brahmā. Brahmā's lifespan is one hundred years, and each of his days and nights lasts for 4,300,000,000 of our Earth years. His month consists of thirty such days and nights, and his year of twelve months. After one hundred such years, when Brahmā dies, the universe undergoes devastation or annihilation, meaning that the energy manifested by the Supreme Lord is withdrawn back into Himself. Then, when there is a need to recreate the cosmic world, it is done by His will.
Verse 8
प्रकृतिं स्वामवष्टभ्य विसृजामि पुन: पुन: ।
भूतग्राममिमं कृत्स्नमवशं प्रकृतेर्वशात् ॥ ८ ॥
prakṛtiṁ svām avaṣṭabhya
visṛjāmi punaḥ punaḥ
bhūta-grāmam imaṁ kṛtsnam
avaśaṁ prakṛter vaśāt
Translation
The whole cosmic order is under Me. Under My will it is automatically manifested again and again, and under My will it is annihilated at the end.
Purport
This material world is the manifestation of the inferior energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as has been explained previously. At the time of creation, the material energy is released as the mahat-tattva, into which the Lord enters as His first puruṣa incarnation, Mahā-viṣṇu. He resides within the Causal Ocean and exhales innumerable universes, and into each universe, the Lord again enters as Garbhodaka-śāyī Viṣṇu. In this way, each universe is created. He further manifests Himself as Kṣīrodaka-śāyī Viṣṇu, and this Viṣṇu enters into everything, even the smallest atom. This fact is explained here. He enters into everything.
Regarding the living entities, they are embedded within this material nature, and their past actions determine their positions. Thus, the activities of this material world commence. The activities of the various species of living beings begin immediately upon creation. It is not that everything evolves gradually. The different species of life are created simultaneously with the universe. Humans, animals, beasts, birds – all are created at the same time, as the desires of the living entities from the previous annihilation are manifested again. The word avaśam clearly indicates that the living entities have no control over this process. Their state of being in their past life during the previous creation is simply manifested again, and all this occurs solely by His will. This demonstrates the inconceivable potency of the Supreme Personality of God. After creating the different species of life, He has no connection with them. The creation takes place to accommodate the inclinations of the various living entities, and therefore, the Lord does not become involved with it.
Verse 9
न च मां तानि कर्माणि निबध्नन्ति धनञ्जय ।
उदासीनवदासीनमसक्तं तेषु कर्मसु ॥ ९ ॥
na ca māṁ tāni karmāṇi
nibadhnanti dhanañ-jaya
udāsīna-vad āsīnam
asaktaṁ teṣu karmasu
Translation
O Dhanañjaya, all this work cannot bind Me. I am ever detached from all these material activities, seated as though neutral.
Purport
Bondage arises from desire and attachment to action and its results. Because all of Krsna's desires are automatically fulfilled, He need not act, and thus no bondage. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is not idle, even in the spiritual realm. He is eternally engaged in blissful spiritual activities, distinct from material pursuits. These material activities are managed by His various potencies, while He remains neutral. Though He oversees every aspect of the material world, His detachment is akin to a high court judge who, despite issuing orders, remains impartial to the outcomes. His transcendence over the dualities of the material world. He is unattached to the creation and destruction of this realm, allowing living entities to experience the consequences of their actions through their various forms of life.
Verse 10
मयाध्यक्षेण प्रकृति: सूयते सचराचरम् ।
हेतुनानेन कौन्तेय जगद्विपरिवर्तते ॥ १० ॥
mayādhyakṣeṇa prakṛtiḥ
sūyate sa-carācaram
hetunānena kaunteya
jagad viparivartate
Translation
This material nature, which is one of My energies, is working under My direction, O son of Kuntī, producing all moving and nonmoving beings. Under its rule this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again.
Purport
The Supreme Lord Krishna has countless incarnations, including the puruşa avatāras, who are involved in the creation of this material world. The first puruşa, Mahā-vişņu or Kāraṇodakaśāyī Vişņu, resides in the Causal Ocean and breathes out innumerable universes. He infuses living entities into these universes with His gaze, similar to a father impregnating a mother. Within each universe, the Lord further manifests as Garbhodakaśāyī Vişņu, the second puruşa. He then appears as Kṣīrodakaśāyī Vişņu, the third puruşa, permeating everything, even the smallest atom.
While living entities are born under the Lord's gaze, their specific forms and species are determined by their own past desires and actions. The Lord is not directly attached to this creation. As the superintendent, He is the efficient cause (nimitta), while prakrti is the material cause (upādāna). There is no contradiction in the Lord being both the doer and neutral, as He governs by proximity.
While Krishna is the origin of the three puruşas who create and sustain this material world, His descent as the son of Vasudeva and Devakī is often misinterpreted by some as that of an ordinary human or merely a partial aspect of the puruşa avatāras,
In the verses 11- 25 different types of Worshippers of Lord Krishna are described emphasisng on Different ways to approach krsna
Verse 11
अवजानन्ति मां मूढा मानुषीं तनुमाश्रितम् ।
परं भावमजानन्तो मम भूतमहेश्वरम् ॥ ११ ॥
avajānanti māṁ mūḍhā
mānuṣīṁ tanum āśritam
paraṁ bhāvam ajānanto
mama bhūta-maheśvaram
Translation
Fools deride Me when I descend in the human form. They do not know My transcendental nature as the Supreme Lord of all that be.
Purport
Krsna is the supreme controller; there are many controllers undoubtedly, both in the material and spiritual world, but Krsna is the supreme controller (īśvaraḥ paramaḥ Krsnaḥ), and His body is sac-cid-ananda, nonmaterial.
Verse 12
मोघाशा मोघकर्माणो मोघज्ञाना विचेतस: ।
राक्षसीमासुरीं चैव प्रकृतिं मोहिनीं श्रिता: ॥ १२ ॥
moghāśā mogha-karmāṇo
mogha-jñānā vicetasaḥ
rākṣasīm āsurīṁ caiva
prakṛtiṁ mohinīṁ śritāḥ
Translation
Those who are misled by demonic and atheistic beliefs are drawn to such views. Their misguided state hinders their pursuit of liberation, their material endeavors, and their intellectual pursuits.
Purport
Many devotees claim to practice Krsna consciousness and devotional service, but at their core, they do not recognize Krsna as the Absolute Truth. Consequently, they will never experience the ultimate goal of devotional service: returning to Godhead. Similarly, those engaged in pious activities with the hope of liberation from this material world will also be unsuccessful, as they disregard Krsna. Those who mock Krsna are considered demonic or atheistic. As the Bhagavad-gītā explains, such individuals never surrender to Krsna. Their mental speculations about the Absolute Truth lead them to the false conclusion that they are no different from Krsna. With this false belief, they think that the human body is merely a material covering and that upon liberation, there is no distinction between themselves and God. This attempt to become one with Krsna is futile due to delusion. Atheistic and demonic pursuit of spiritual knowledge is always fruitless. For such individuals, studying Vedic literature like the Vedānta-sūtra and the Upanishads will always be in vain.
Considering Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as an ordinary man is a grave offense. Those who do so are deluded and cannot comprehend Krsna's eternal form. The Bṛhad-viṣṇu-smṛti states: "One who considers the body of Krsna to be material should be driven out from all rituals and activities of the śruti and the smṛti. And if one by chance sees his face, one should at once take bath in the Ganges to rid himself of infection." People mock Krsna out of envy. Their fate is to be repeatedly reborn in atheistic and demonic forms of life. Their true knowledge will forever remain obscured, and they will gradually descend into the darkest regions of creation.
Verse 13
महात्मानस्तु मां पार्थ दैवीं प्रकृतिमाश्रिता: ।
भजन्त्यनन्यमनसो ज्ञात्वा भूतादिमव्ययम् ॥ १३ ॥
mahātmānas tu māṁ pārtha
daivīṁ prakṛtim āśritāḥ
bhajanty ananya-manaso
jñātvā bhūtādim avyayam
Translation
O son of Pṛthā, those who are not deluded, the great souls, are under the protection of the divine nature. They are fully engaged in devotional service because they know Me as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, original and inexhaustible.
Purport
The verse clearly defines a mahātmā. The first characteristic of a mahātmā is their divine nature, which is beyond the control of material nature. This is achieved by surrendering to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Krsna. As a marginal potency, the living entity is freed from material nature's control and placed under the guidance of the spiritual nature, known as daivī prakṛti. By surrendering to Krsna, one attains the stage of a great soul, mahātmā.
A mahātmā remains focused on Krsna, recognizing Him as the Supreme Person and the cause of all causes. Such a mahātmā develops through association with other pure devotees. These devotees are solely attracted to Krsna's two-armed form, disregarding other aspects of His divine form, including the four-armed Mahā-viṣṇu. They are not drawn to demigods or human forms, meditating exclusively on Krsna in Krsna consciousness. They are dedicated to the Lord's unwavering service in Krsna consciousness.
Verse 14
सततं कीर्तयन्तो मां यतन्तश्च दृढव्रता: ।
नमस्यन्तश्च मां भक्त्या नित्ययुक्ता उपासते ॥ १४ ॥
satataṁ kīrtayanto māṁ
yatantaś ca dṛḍha-vratāḥ
namasyantaś ca māṁ bhaktyā
nitya-yuktā upāsate
Translation
Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with great determination, bowing down before Me, these great souls perpetually worship Me with devotion.
Purport
A Mahatma is not an ordinary person who has been stamped with the title. They are individuals who are deeply dedicated to the Supreme Lord, Krishna. Their primary occupation is glorifying Krishna, their holy name, form, qualities, and pastimes. Unlike impersonalists, Mahatmas are fully attached to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
The Bhagavad Gita doesn't consider someone a Mahatma if they are attached to the impersonal feature of the Supreme Lord, the Brahma-jyoti. Instead, a Mahatma is someone who is engaged in various activities of devotional service, as described in the Srimad Bhagavatam. These activities include hearing, chanting, and remembering Vishnu.
A Mahatma has a firm determination to achieve the ultimate goal: associating with the Supreme Lord in one of the five transcendental rasas. They dedicate all their mental, bodily, and vocal activities to the service of Krishna, which is known as full Krishna consciousness.
Devotional service involves certain practices, such as fasting on specific days like Ekadashi and the Lord's appearance day. These rules and regulations are provided by great acharyas for those who genuinely desire to join the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the transcendental world. Mahatmas strictly adhere to these guidelines, ensuring their success.
As mentioned in the second verse of this chapter, devotional service is not only easy but also enjoyable. It doesn't require severe penance or austerity. One can live a life of devotion under the guidance of an expert spiritual master, regardless of their position as a householder, sannyasi, or brahmacari. By performing devotional service to Krishna, anyone can become a Mahatma, a great soul.
Verse 15
ज्ञानयज्ञेन चाप्यन्ये यजन्तो मामुपासते ।
एकत्वेन पृथक्त्वेन बहुधा विश्वतोमुखम् ॥ १५ ॥
jñāna-yajñena cāpy anye
yajanto mām upāsate
ekatvena pṛthaktvena
bahudhā viśvato-mukham
Translation
Those who cultivate knowledge through sacrifice worship the Supreme Lord as the singular, all-pervading being who manifests in diverse forms.
Purport
This verse summarizes the preceding verses. The Lord informs Arjuna that those who are solely focused on Krishna consciousness and are unaware of anything else are known as Mahatmas. However, there are others who, while not Mahatmas, also worship Krishna in various ways. Some of these individuals have already been described as distressed, financially destitute, inquisitive, or engaged in the cultivation of knowledge.
There are still lower categories of people, divided into three:
1. Self-worshipers denoted by the word Ekatvena (Ahangrahopasana) : Those who believe they are one with the Supreme Lord.
2. Imaginary form worshipers denoted by the word Prthakvena (pratikopasana): Those who create their own form of the Supreme Lord and worship it. (Pratikopasana)
3. Universe worshipers denoted by the word Visvato mukham (Visvarupa upasana): Those who worship the material universe as the supreme entity. (Visvarupa upasana)
Among these three, the lowest and most prevalent group are those who worship themselves as the Supreme Lord, believing in monism. They consider themselves to be the Supreme Lord and worship themselves. While this may seem like a form of God worship, it's based on the understanding that they are spiritual souls, not material bodies. Many impersonalists fall into this category.
The second group includes those who worship demigods, imagining them to be the form of the Supreme Lord. The third group consists of those who cannot perceive anything beyond the material universe, believing it to be the ultimate organism and worshiping it. It's important to note that the universe is also a form of the Lord.
Verse 16
अहं क्रतुरहं यज्ञ: स्वधाहमहमौषधम् ।
मन्त्रोऽहमहमेवाज्यमहमग्निरहं हुतम् ॥ १६ ॥
ahaṁ kratur ahaṁ yajñaḥ
svadhāham aham auṣadham
mantro ’ham aham evājyam
aham agnir ahaṁ hutam
Translation
But it is I who am the ritual, I the sacrifice, the offering to the ancestors, the healing herb, the transcendental chant. I am the butter and the fire and the offering.
Purport
Krsna is the various elements of all sacrifices: He is the -
Kratu: rituals mentioned in the śruti scriptures
Yajña: sacrifices mentioned in smrti scriptures
Svadhā: oblation offering to the ancestors
Auşadham: the healing herbs
Mantrah: transcendental chant
Ajyam: the ghee (melted butter)
Agnih: fire
Hutam: the act of offering
In the verse 17-19 Krsna is dewscribed a sall pervading, ultimate shelter and cause of all causes.
Verse 17
पिताहमस्य जगतो माता धाता पितामह: ।
वेद्यं पवित्रम् ॐकार ऋक् साम यजुरेव च ॥ १७ ॥
pitāham asya jagato
mātā dhātā pitāmahaḥ
vedyaṁ pavitram oṁ-kāra
ṛk sāma yajur eva ca
Translation
I am the father of this universe, the mother, the support and the grandsire. I am the object of knowledge, the purifier and the syllable oṁ. I am also the Ṛg, the Sāma and the Yajur Vedas.
Purport
All cosmic manifestations, both moving and nonmoving, are created through various activities of Krishna's energy. In material existence, we form relationships with different living entities, who are essentially marginal energies of Krishna. Due to the influence of prakriti, some of these entities appear as our father, mother, grandfather, creator, and so on. However, they are all parts and parcels of Krishna. Therefore, any living entity, including those who appear as our family members or creators, is ultimately Krishna.
In this verse, "dhātā" means "creator." Not only are our parents parts of Krishna, but also the creator, grandmother, grandfather, and other living entities. Any living being, being a part of Krishna, is essentially Krishna. Consequently, all the Vedas ultimately focus on Krishna. Any knowledge we seek through the Vedas is a step towards understanding Krishna. The subject matter that purifies our constitutional position is specifically related to Krishna.
Similarly, the inquisitive living entity who desires to understand Vedic principles is also a part of Krishna and therefore Krishna. In all Vedic mantras, the word "om," known as the pranava, is a transcendental sound vibration and is also considered Krishna. Due to its prominence in the four Vedas (Sama, Yajur, Rig, and Atharva), the pranava or om-kara is understood to be Krishna.
Verse 18
गतिर्भर्ता प्रभु: साक्षी निवास: शरणं सुहृत् ।
प्रभव: प्रलय: स्थानं निधानं बीजमव्ययम् ॥ १८ ॥
gatir bhartā prabhuḥ sākṣī
nivāsaḥ śaraṇaṁ suhṛt
prabhavaḥ pralayaḥ sthānaṁ
nidhānaṁ bījam avyayam
Translation
I am the goal, the sustainer, the master, the witness, the abode, the refuge and the most dear friend. I am the creation and the annihilation, the basis of everything, the resting place and the eternal seed.
Purport
While "gati" refers to a destination, the ultimate goal is Krishna, though many are unaware of this fact. Those who do not know Krishna are misguided, and their so-called progress is either incomplete or illusory. Many people set their destination as various demigods and, through rigorous practices, reach planets like Candraloka, Suryaloka, Indraloka, Maharloka, and so on. However, these planets, being creations of Krishna, are both Krishna and not Krishna. As manifestations of Krishna's energy, they serve as stepping stones towards realizing Krishna.
Approaching different energies of Krishna is an indirect way to approach Krishna. It's more efficient to directly approach Krishna. For example, if an elevator is available, why climb the stairs? Everything rests upon Krishna's energy; therefore, nothing can exist without Krishna's shelter. Krishna is the supreme ruler because everything belongs to Him and exists on His energy.
Residing within everyone's heart, Krishna is the supreme witness. The places we live, whether countries or planets, are also Krishna. Krishna is the ultimate shelter, and one should seek refuge in Krishna for protection or relief from distress. When seeking protection, it's essential to understand that our protector should be a living force, and Krishna is the supreme living entity. As the source of our generation, or the supreme father, no one can be a better friend or well-wisher than Krishna. Krishna is the original source of creation and the ultimate resting place after annihilation. Therefore, Krishna is the eternal cause of all causes.
Verse 19
तपाम्यहमहं वर्षं निगृह्णाम्युत्सृजामि च ।
अमृतं चैव मृत्युश्च सदसच्चाहमर्जुन ॥ १९ ॥
tapāmy aham ahaṁ varṣaṁ
nigṛhṇāmy utsṛjāmi ca
amṛtaṁ caiva mṛtyuś ca
sad asac cāham arjuna
Translation
O Arjuna, I give heat, and I withhold and send forth the rain. I am immortality, and I am also death personified. Both spirit and matter are in Me.
Purport
Krishna, through His various energies, diffuses heat and light through electricity and the sun. He controls the rain, preventing it from falling during summer and unleashing torrential downpours during the rainy season. The energy that sustains our lives is Krishna, and it is Krishna who ultimately meets us as death. By analyzing these different energies of Krishna, one can understand that there is no distinction between matter and spirit for Krishna; He is both. In the advanced stage of Krishna consciousness, one sees only Krishna in everything.
Since Krishna is both matter and spirit, the vast universal form encompassing all material manifestations is also Krishna. His pastimes in Vrindavan as the two-handed Syamasundara, playing the flute, are those of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Verse 20
त्रैविद्या मां सोमपा: पूतपापा
यज्ञैरिष्ट्वा स्वर्गतिं प्रार्थयन्ते ।
ते पुण्यमासाद्य सुरेन्द्रलोक-
मश्नन्ति दिव्यान्दिवि देवभोगान् ॥ २० ॥
trai-vidyā māṁ soma-pāḥ pūta-pāpā
yajñair iṣṭvā svar-gatiṁ prārthayante
te puṇyam āsādya surendra-lokam
aśnanti divyān divi deva-bhogān
Translation
Those who study the Vedas and drink the soma juice, seeking the heavenly planets, worship Me indirectly. Purified of sinful reactions, they take birth on the pious, heavenly planet of Indra, where they enjoy godly delights.
Purport
The term "tri-vidyāḥ" refers to the three Vedas: Sama, Yajur, and Rig. A brahmana who has studied these three Vedas is called a tri-vedi. Individuals who are deeply attached to knowledge derived from these Vedas are respected in society. However, many great scholars of the Vedas are unaware of their ultimate purpose. Krishna declares Himself to be the ultimate goal for tri-vedis. The knowers of the three Vedas, drinking the soma juice, purified of sins, worship Me indirectly through sacrifices, praying to enter heaven. Attaining piety (punya), they enter the heaven and enjoy celestial delights.
Genuine tri-vedis take shelter at the lotus feet of Krishna and engage in pure devotional service to satisfy the Lord. Devotional service begins with chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and simultaneously seeking to understand Krishna in truth. Unfortunately, those who are merely formal students of the Vedas become more interested in offering sacrifices to demigods like Indra and Chandra. Through such endeavors, worshipers of demigods can purify themselves of lower qualities and ascend to higher planetary systems like Maharloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka, etc. Once on these higher planets, one can experience far greater sensory satisfaction than on Earth.
In the verse 21 special emphasis is on the unfallible protection received by Pure devotees of Krsna
Verse 21
ते तं भुक्त्वा स्वर्गलोकं विशालं
क्षीणे पुण्ये मर्त्यलोकं विशन्ति ।
एवं त्रयीधर्ममनुप्रपन्ना
गतागतं कामकामा लभन्ते ॥ २१ ॥
te taṁ bhuktvā svarga-lokaṁ viśālaṁ
kṣīṇe puṇye martya-lokaṁ viśanti
evaṁ trayī-dharmam anuprapannā
gatāgataṁ kāma-kāmā labhante
Translation
When they have thus enjoyed vast heavenly sense pleasure and the results of their pious activities are exhausted, they return to this mortal planet again. Thus those who seek sense enjoyment by adhering to the principles of the three Vedas achieve only repeated birth and death.
Purport
Those who ascend to higher planetary systems enjoy a longer lifespan and greater sensory pleasures. However, their stay there is temporary. Upon exhausting the karmic fruits of their pious deeds, they are sent back to Earth. Those who have not attained perfection of knowledge, as described in the Vedanta-sutra, or failed to understand Krishna, the cause of all causes, become confused about life's ultimate goal. They are trapped in a cycle of being promoted to higher planets and then descending, like a Ferris wheel going up and down. By enjoying the heavenly sense pleasures, the results of their pious acts get exhausted and they return to this mortal planet again (kşīne punye martya-lokam viśanti). Thus such pleasure seekers who follow Vedic rites achieve only repeated birth and death.
Instead of being elevated to the spiritual world, where there is no chance of returning, one simply revolves in the cycle of birth and death on various planetary systems. It's better to enter the spiritual world and experience eternal bliss and knowledge, avoiding the misery of material existence.
Verse 22
अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जना: पर्युपासते ।
तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् ॥ २२ ॥
ananyāś cintayanto māṁ
ye janāḥ paryupāsate
teṣāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ
yoga-kṣemaṁ vahāmy aham
Translation
However, to those who consistently worship Me with unwavering devotion and meditate on My transcendental form, I preserve what they have and carry what they lack.
Purport
A person who cannot survive for even a moment without Krsna consciousness can't help but think about Krsna all day long. They are participating in devotional service by listening, chanting, remembering, praying, worshiping, serving the Lord's lotus feet, performing other services, making friends, and giving themselves completely to the Lord. The devotee becomes flawless in self-realization as a result of these auspicious and spiritually potent practices, and his only goal becomes to associate with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Undoubtedly, a devotee like that comes to the Lord easily. We call this yoga. Such a devotee, by the grace of the Lord, never returns to this worldly state of existence. Kṣema means the Lord's kind protection. The Lord assists devotees in achieving Krsna consciousness via yoga. Once fully Krsna conscious, the Lord shields them from sliding into a terrible conditioned life.
Verse 23
येऽप्यन्यदेवताभक्ता यजन्ते श्रद्धयान्विता: ।
तेऽपि मामेव कौन्तेय यजन्त्यविधिपूर्वकम् ॥ २३ ॥
ye ’py anya-devatā-bhaktā
yajante śraddhayānvitāḥ
te ’pi mām eva kaunteya
yajanty avidhi-pūrvakam
Translation
Those who are devotees of other gods and who worship them with faith actually worship only Me, O son of Kuntī, but they do so in a wrong way.
Purport
“Persons who are engaged in the worship of demigods are not very intelligent, although such worship is offered to Me indirectly,” Krsna declares. For example, when a man puts water on a tree's leaves and branches but not on its roots, he lacks appropriate understanding or fails to follow regulative principles. Similarly, the process of providing service to various areas of the body involves supplying food to the stomach. In a sense, the demigods serve as various officers and directors in the Supreme Lord's government. One must follow the laws enacted by the government, not by its officers or directors. Similarly, everyone is expected to worship only the Supreme Lord. This will immediately satisfy all of the Lord's officials and directors. The officials and directors are government representatives, therefore offering them a bribe is unlawful. This is referred to as avidhi-pūrvakam. Krsna prohibits unnecessary worship of demigods.
Verse 24
अहं हि सर्वयज्ञानां भोक्ता च प्रभुरेव च ।
न तु मामभिजानन्ति तत्त्वेनातश्च्यवन्ति ते ॥ २४ ॥
ahaṁ hi sarva-yajñānāṁ
bhoktā ca prabhur eva ca
na tu mām abhijānanti
tattvenātaś cyavanti te
Translation
I am the only enjoyer and master of all sacrifices. Therefore, those who do not recognize My true transcendental nature fall down.
Purport
The Vedic literatures advocate many yajña practices, all of which aim to appease the Supreme Lord. Yajña translates to Viṣṇu. The Third Chapter of the Bhagavad-gītā emphasizes the importance of focusing on Yajña or Viṣṇu. Varṇāśrama-dharma, the perfectional form of human civilization, aims to gratify Viṣṇu. In this stanza, Krsna states, "I am the enjoyer of all sacrifices because I am the supreme master." Unaware of this fact, less intellectual people worship demigods for temporary gain. As a result, they succumb to material existence and fail to attain their life's goal. If somebody has a material desire that he wishes to accomplish, he should pray to the Supreme Lord (albeit this is not true devotion), and he will achieve his goal.
Verse 25
यान्ति देवव्रता देवान्पितॄन्यान्ति पितृव्रता: ।
भूतानि यान्ति भूतेज्या यान्ति मद्याजिनोऽपि माम् ॥ २५ ॥
yānti deva-vratā devān
pitṝn yānti pitṛ-vratāḥ
bhūtāni yānti bhūtejyā
yānti mad-yājino ’pi mām
Translation
Those who worship the demigods will give birth among the demigods; those who adore the ancestors will go to the ancestors; those who worship ghosts and spirits will give birth among such entities; and those who serve Me will live with Me.
Purport
To go to the moon, sun, or other planets, use Vedic concepts like Darśa-paurṇamāsa. These are clearly depicted in the Vedas' fruitive activities section, which suggests specialized worship of demigods on several heavenly planets. A certain yajña can lead to attaining the Pitā planets. Similarly, one can visit several ghostly planets and become a Yakṣa, Rakṣa, or Piśāca. Piśāca worship is known as "black arts" or "black magic." Many men practice this black art, believing it to be spiritual, but such practices are entirely materialistic.
A devotee who only worships the Supreme Personality of Godhead will undoubtedly gain the planets of Vaikuṇṭha and Krsnaloka. This verse explains why a pure devotee cannot reach the planets of Krsna or Viṣṇu simply by worshiping the demigods, Pitās, or ghostly planets. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the exquisite planets where Krsna and Viṣṇu inhabit, causing them to fall down. Even impersonalists descend from the Brahma-jyotir. The Krsna consciousness movement spreads magnificent knowledge to the entire human community. The Krsna consciousness movement spreads the message that by chanting the Hare Krsna mantra, individuals can achieve perfection and return to Godhead.
In the verses 9.26- 9.34 Sweetness of Exclusive Devotion is described
Verse 26
पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति ।
तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मन: ॥ २६ ॥
patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ
yo me bhaktyā prayacchati
tad ahaṁ bhakty-upahṛtam
aśnāmi prayatātmanaḥ
Translation
If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.
Purport
Love is the only requirement for serving Kışņa. Krşņa is self-sufficient and does not need anything from anyone, but He accepts offerings from His devotees as an exchange of love and affection. Bhakti is accessible to everyone due to its simplicity and universality. Even the poorest of the destitute can try to practice Krsna-bhakti. Purity in bhakti is characterized by a lack of motive to serve Krşņa and a willingness to continue doing so. The verse emphasizes the importance of bhakti, or devotional service, as the sole means of approaching Krşņa. No other prerequisite, such as becoming a scholar, rich man, or philosopher, may inspire Krșņa to accept an offer. Kışņa is a person who responds with genuine affection. He is not as impersonal as some believe.
Verse 27
यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत् ।
यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम् ॥ २७ ॥
yat karoṣi yad aśnāsi
yaj juhoṣi dadāsi yat
yat tapasyasi kaunteya
tat kuruṣva mad-arpaṇam
Translation
Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform – do that, O son of Kuntī, as an offering to Me.
Purport
It is everyone's responsibility to shape their lives so that they never forget Krsna, regardless of circumstances. Kṛṣṇ suggests that individuals work for Him to maintain both their physical and spiritual health. To survive, everyone needs to eat, thus take the leftover food presented to Krsna. Krsna urges performing religious rituals for "Do it for Me," which is known as arcana. Krsna says, "Give it to Me," implying that any surplus money should be used to advance the Krsna awareness movement.
The Sixth Chapter of the Bhagavad-gītā states that anyone who meditates on Krsna twenty-four hours a day while chanting the Hare Krsna mantra around their beads is the greatest meditator and yogī. However, this practice may not be practical in today's world.
Verse 28
शुभाशुभफलैरेवं मोक्ष्यसे कर्मबन्धनै: ।
सन्न्यासयोगयुक्तात्मा विमुक्तो मामुपैष्यसि ॥ २८ ॥
śubhāśubha-phalair evaṁ
mokṣyase karma-bandhanaiḥ
sannyāsa-yoga-yuktātmā
vimukto mām upaiṣyasi
Translation
In this way you will be freed from bondage to work and its auspicious and inauspicious results. With your mind fixed on Me in this principle of renunciation, you will be liberated and come to Me.
Purport
Krsna did not use the term bhakti in this stanza. However, this is primarily bhakti, with a few other aspects mixed in. Although related to karma-yoga, it is superior to karma-yoga and nişkāma. Karma-yoga occurs when all acts, including those outside the prescribed tasks, are submitted to the Lord without desire. It is akin to jñāna-miśra-bhakti in that the individual possesses knowledge of both ātmā and Paramātmā. However, it surpasses jñāna-miśra-bhakti due to its emphasis on the Lord's personal characteristics. However, because the mind is not always fixed on the Lord, one performs the actions he desires and then presents them to Krsna afterward, rather than beforehand. Thus, it cannot be considered ananya bhakti, in which one knows what deeds are pleasant to the Lord and then performs them, offering those activities to Krsna even before performing them.
Verse 29
समोऽहं सर्वभूतेषु न मे द्वेष्योऽस्ति न प्रिय: ।
ये भजन्ति तु मां भक्त्या मयि ते तेषु चाप्यहम् ॥ २९ ॥
samo ’haṁ sarva-bhūteṣu
na me dveṣyo ’sti na priyaḥ
ye bhajanti tu māṁ bhaktyā
mayi te teṣu cāpy aham
Translation
Lord Krşņa is just like a cloud that rains everywhere equally whether on rock or land or water. But for His devotees, He gives specific attention. This is not discrimination; but it is natural. Someone may be charitably disposed to all, yet he has a special interest in his own children. Although every living being is a child of God, only the devotees have the consciousness of acting like God's children. Thus Krşņa specially reciprocates with them.
Verse 30
अपि चेत्सुदुराचारो भजते मामनन्यभाक् ।
साधुरेव स मन्तव्य: सम्यग्व्यवसितो हि स: ॥ ३० ॥
api cet su-durācāro
bhajate mām ananya-bhāk
sādhur eva sa mantavyaḥ
samyag vyavasito hi saḥ
Translation
Even if one commits the most abominable action, if he is engaged in devotional service he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated in his determination.
Verse 31
क्षिप्रं भवति धर्मात्मा शश्वच्छान्तिं निगच्छति ।
कौन्तेय प्रतिजानीहि न मे भक्त: प्रणश्यति ॥ ३१ ॥
kṣipraṁ bhavati dharmātmā
śaśvac-chāntiṁ nigacchati
kaunteya pratijānīhi
na me bhaktaḥ praṇaśyati
Translation
He quickly becomes righteous and attains lasting peace. O son of Kuntī, declare it boldly that My devotee never perishes.
Purport
Bhakti is a declaration of war against māyā. As long as one is not flawless, there may be unintentional deviations from the road of saintly behavior. However, the situational filthy actions of Krsna's devotee, due to the power of material Impressions do not render someone hideous, just as moon spots do not impede the diffusion of moonlight.
When a devotee commits sin, he gets sorrowful and feels guilty about his acts. By contemplating Lord Krsna, he will atone for all his sins and rapidly become righteous.
Krsna is naturally attached to His devotees. Even if a devotee makes a mistake, their commitment to Kṛṣņa keeps them striving for perfection. To take advantage of Krsna's mercy, devotees should avoid making purposeful blunders.
Krşņa asked Arjuna to declare that His devotee never perishes. Because, Krşņa will uphold the declaration made by His devotee under all circumstances, whereas He can break His own promise if needed and accept criticism for that. For instance, although Kışņa promised not to take a weapon on the battle of Kuruksetra, He picked up a chariot wheel to attack Bhīşma just to protect Bhīṣma's words
Verse 32
मां हि पार्थ व्यपाश्रित्य येऽपि स्यु: पापयोनय: ।
स्त्रियो वैश्यास्तथा शूद्रास्तेऽपि यान्ति परां गतिम् ॥ ३२ ॥
māṁ hi pārtha vyapāśritya
ye ’pi syuḥ pāpa-yonayaḥ
striyo vaiśyās tathā śūdrās
te ’pi yānti parāṁ gatim
Translation
O son of Pṛthā, those who take shelter in Me, though they be of lower birth – women, vaiśyas [merchants] and śūdras [workers] – can attain the supreme destination.
Purport
The process of bhakti and the connection of Krsna's followers is so powerful that it can purify any unclean individual, including those from wicked backgrounds.
Verse 33
किं पुनर्ब्राह्मणा: पुण्या भक्ता राजर्षयस्तथा ।
अनित्यमसुखं लोकमिमं प्राप्य भजस्व माम्
kiṁ punar brāhmaṇāḥ puṇyā
bhaktā rājarṣayas tathā
anityam asukhaṁ lokam
imaṁ prāpya bhajasva mām
Translation
How much more this is so of the righteous brāhmaṇas, the devotees and the saintly kings. Therefore, having come to this temporary, miserable world, engage in loving service unto Me.
Purport
There are different types of people in this material world, but the truth is that this life is not happy for anyone. Anityam asukhaṁ lokam plainly states that this world is transient and full of sufferings, making it unsuitable for any rational gentleman. The Supreme Personality of Godhead declares that this world is only transient and full of sufferings. Some philosophers, like Māyāvādī, argue that the world is false. However, the Bhagavad-gītā explains that the world is not false, but rather transient. There's a distinction between transitory and untrue. This world is only temporary, but there is another world that is permanent. This world is depressing, while the other world is endless and happy.
Verse 34
मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु ।
मामेवैष्यसि युक्त्वैवमात्मानं मत्परायण: ॥ ३४ ॥
man-manā bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru
mām evaiṣyasi yuktvaivam
ātmānaṁ mat-parāyaṇaḥ
Translation
Engage your mind in constant thoughts of Me, become My disciple, pay obeisance to Me, and worship Me. You will undoubtedly come to Me after you have become entirely engaged in Me.
Purport
Bhakti, like the Ganges, does not regard who is acceptable or unfit. Pure bhakti, which destroys all sins with a single touch, is called the king of all secrets.
This verse is considered the essence of the Gīta, as it contains the most significant instructions. Same verse will be repeated by lord krsna as a conclusion to his instruction to arjuna in chapter 18 verse 65.
This marks the end of chapter 9.
Keep Chanting
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare
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