Chapter 7
Understanding Devotion and the Divine Shri Krishna
As previously indicated, Chapters 1 to 6 of the Holy Bhagavad Gita primarily elucidate Karm Yog, emphasizing the path of duty. Chapters 7 to 12, on the other hand, predominantly expound upon the path of Bhakti, the practice of wholehearted devotion to God.
Concluding Chapter 6 with a focus on devotion (bhakti), Shri Krishna commences his explanation of the Bhakti Yog, the path of divine knowledge leading to Yog. In this context, the divine knowledge pertains to Bhakti, symbolizing an unwavering surrender and boundless love for God. It remains crucial to remember that the essence of Yog lies in the harmonious convergence of the mind with the divine presence.
Verse 1 to 12
Shri Krishna initiates by expressing his intention to elucidate how complete knowledge of him can be attained through unwavering attachment of the mind to him, denoting pure devotion and bhakti. He elaborates that the path leading to a profound understanding of him is through the practice of Bhakti Yog.
Shri Krishna proceeds to define his glories, asserting his all-encompassing nature. He illustrates that he is the source and culmination of all things in the universe. For instance, he compares himself to the radiance of the sun and the moon, the intelligence of intelligent beings, and the splendour of the glorious. He further elucidates that the entirety of creation is interwoven within him, analogous to beads strung upon a thread. Despite being the origin of all existence, he transcends the dichotomy of good and bad inherent in the universe.
Verse 13 and 14
Humans often succumb to the influence of Maya, the material energy of God, and consequently lose sight of the supreme creator. This leads them to experience joy or suffering based on material gains and losses. The liberation from Maya can only be achieved through wholehearted surrender to God, which prompts the divine grace necessary to transcend this energy.
Shri Krishna proceeds to expound on the reasons behind individuals' success or failure in overcoming Maya.
Verse 15
There exist four categories of individuals who lack complete devotion to Shri Krishna:
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The uninformed, who lack spiritual understanding.
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Those who possess spiritual knowledge but are lethargic in their pursuit, yielding to their base inclinations rather than progressing towards spiritual growth.
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Individuals consumed by excessive ego and self-importance, devoid of faith in God.
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Those exhibiting a demonic disposition characterized by traits such as cruelty and falsehood.
Verse 16 to 18
Shri Krishna proceeds to elucidate the types of individuals who exhibit complete devotion to him, and he delineates which among them he holds dearest:
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Those burdened by distress and seeking solace and happiness.
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The inquisitive seekers of knowledge, longing to understand the nature of God.
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Those aspiring for material wealth and recognize the divine as the means to attain it.
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Individuals firmly rooted in wisdom, who comprehend that the soul is an integral fragment of God and its ultimate purpose is to reunite with the divine. Such individuals wholeheartedly love and surrender to God, understanding the essence of their existence.
Shri Krishna iterates that he loves all who dedicate themselves to him, yet he clarifies the category he holds in the highest regard. Among those who possess profound knowledge and exhibit unwavering and unconditional devotion to Shri Krishna, he holds the greatest affection. Their supreme love for him results in him reciprocating that love with the utmost intensity.
Verses 19 to 23
Shri Krishna affirms that individuals possessing genuine knowledge of him wholeheartedly surrender, and such souls are indeed rare to encounter. This profound understanding is cultivated across multiple lifetimes. In contrast, those lacking true knowledge tend to seek material gains rather than spiritual liberation (moksha), thus engaging in the worship of other deities.
He further explains that he facilitates the development of affection towards celestial deities, as this path serves as a stepping stone towards nurturing love for the Supreme Lord. People often perceive their desires being fulfilled by celestial deities, yet it is the Supreme Lord who grants material aspirations. Shri Krishna concludes by stating that those who worship him find eternal bliss and liberation from the cycle of life and death upon death, while those who venerate celestial deities achieve transient material gains and eventually reach the abode of those celestial entities after death.
Verses 24 to 26
Shri Krishna emphasizes that he transcends the understanding of mortal beings. He assumes both a tangible form, exemplified by Shri Krishna, and a formless existence. He exists beyond the cycle of life and death, encompassing the entirety of existence. His knowledge spans across all dimensions of time – the past, present, and future. He possesses knowledge of even those who are yet to manifest, yet those lacking faith in him remain ignorant of his true nature.
Verses 27 to 30
Devotees who are deeply immersed in Shri Krishna perceive all activities and situations, both joyful and sorrowful, as illusory in nature. Their profound connection with him leads to liberation from the cycle of life and death. These devoted souls are so completely engrossed in his presence that even in the face of death, they do not experience pain; their focus remains solely on remembering him.
Conclusion: This chapter marks the initiation of a series of six chapters in which Shri Krishna expounds upon the concept of Bhakti, or loving devotion. He delves into the diverse categories of individuals who possess varying degrees of devotion, as well as those who lack complete devotion. Shri Krishna elucidates that unwavering and absolute devotion is achieved through spiritual knowledge.
Throughout this chapter, Shri Krishna introduces certain new terms, which spark Arjuna's curiosity and prompt him to seek explanations in the subsequent chapter.