māṁ cha yo ’vyabhichāreṇa bhakti-yogena sevate
sa guṇān samatītyaitān brahma-bhūyāya kalpate
mām — me;
cha — only;
yaḥ — who;
avyabhichāreṇa — unalloyed;
bhakti-yogena — through devotion;
sevate — serve;
saḥ — they;
guṇān — the three modes of material nature;
samatītya — rise above;
etān — these;
brahma-bhūyāya — level of Brahman;
kalpate — comes to
This verse is a response to Arjuna's inquiry about how to reach a higher spiritual state. In simple terms, it talks about the path to achieving true spirituality, which means going beyond the usual influences that affect our lives.
In the world we live in, our thoughts and actions are often influenced by three main qualities or 'modes': goodness, passion, and ignorance. Each of these modes affects how we react to situations—whether we feel happy, sad, confused, or motivated. For instance, when in the mode of goodness, we may be calm and wise, while in the mode of passion, we might be restless and driven by desires. The mode of ignorance can bring about confusion and laziness.
However, the verse emphasizes that by focusing on devotion to Krishna (or God), one can rise above these modes. This means that if we dedicate ourselves to serving Krishna wholeheartedly—without any selfish motives—we can escape the negative influences of these modes. This dedication is known as bhakti-yoga. It involves doing things that please Krishna, whether through prayer, service, or simply by being in a state of love and devotion towards Him.
The verse explains that serving Krishna should be done with an unwavering commitment. This means even when faced with difficulties or when things don't go our way, a true devotee remains focused and does not falter in their devotion. Just like a committed soldier stays loyal to their country despite the challenges they face, a devotee remains loyal to their relationship with Krishna.
When one is engaged in such devoted service, they reach a state called 'Brahman.' This is not just an abstract idea but a level of existence characterized by eternal joy, knowledge, and bliss. Imagine it as reaching a peak of fulfillment where you feel completely satisfied and at peace. At this level, one becomes free from the pains of life, like birth, death, and other struggles, and experiences a happiness that is not influenced by external situations.
Additionally, the verse highlights that true service to God allows individuals to identify with divine qualities. Just like small gold pieces are valuable because they come from gold, individuals who devote themselves to God are said to reflect divine attributes. However, one must remember that while the individual soul is connected to God, they still maintain their unique identity. Your personality remains, but your life is enriched by this connection with the divine.
Furthermore, to serve God effectively, you must align yourself with divine nature strongly. This means letting go of negative influences and mistakes that cloud your life. It's like preparing yourself to assist a king; you would need to be trained, equipped, and in condition to help effectively.
Ultimately, this verse encourages everyone to embrace a practice of devotion free from distractions and to engage sincerely with the divine. By doing so, you can rise above the challenges of life and connect with a profound sense of peace and purpose.