tad-buddhayas tad-ātmānas tan-niṣhṭhās tat-parāyaṇāḥ
gachchhantyapunar-āvṛittiṁ jñāna-nirdhūta-kalmaṣhāḥ
tat-buddhayaḥ — those whose intellect is directed toward God;
tat-ātmānaḥ — those whose heart (mind and intellect) is solely absorbed in God;
tat-niṣhṭhāḥ — those whose intellect has firm faith in God;
tat-parāyaṇāḥ — those who strive after God as the supreme goal and refuge;
gachchhanti — go;
apunaḥ-āvṛittim — not returning;
jñāna — by knowledge;
nirdhūta — dispelled;
kalmaṣhāḥ — sins
This verse emphasizes the importance of placing your entire focus on something higher than yourself, which in this context is Lord Krishna, who is considered the Supreme Being or the source of everything. The idea is that when a person's thoughts, beliefs, and sense of safety are completely centered on Krishna, they can overcome doubts and uncertainties.
To break it down further:
- When it talks about 'intelligence,' it means using your mind wisely to direct your thoughts toward deeper, spiritual truths instead of getting caught up in everyday concerns.
- 'Mind and heart' being absorbed in God implies that your feelings, emotions, and mental energy should be invested in seeking a connection with a higher power.
- 'Firm faith' signifies having a strong belief in Krishna and not wavering, even when faced with challenges or distractions. It’s like trusting a friend completely, no matter what happens.
- 'Striving after God as the supreme goal' indicates that your ultimate aim in life should be to understand and connect with Krishna. Everything else should be secondary.
The overall message is that by focusing oneself on Krishna with a sincere heart and mind, a person can clear away confusion and doubts. This leads to what is called 'complete knowledge,' meaning that you start to truly understand the nature of life, existence, and your own self.
When a person achieves this state, they can walk 'straight on the path of liberation.' In simpler terms, this means they become free from worries and fears about life, death, and the struggles that come with being human. Just like a bird that learns to fly above the crowds and sees the world from a higher perspective, someone who is deeply connected to Krishna can rise above life's troubles and find peace and joy that lasts forever.
In essence, this verse is reassuring us that by turning our hearts and minds towards something truly valuable and eternal, we can find a sense of purpose and joy that transcends the ups and downs of daily life.