samo ’haṁ sarva-bhūteṣhu na me dveṣhyo ’sti na priyaḥ
ye bhajanti tu māṁ bhaktyā mayi te teṣhu chāpyaham
samaḥ — equally disposed;
aham — I;
sarva-bhūteṣhu — to all living beings;
na — no one;
me — to me;
dveṣhyaḥ — inimical;
asti — is;
na — not;
priyaḥ — dear;
ye — who;
bhajanti — worship with love;
tu — but;
mām — me;
bhaktyā — with devotion;
mayi — reside in me;
te — such persons;
teṣhu — in them;
cha — and;
api — also;
aham — I
In this verse, Krishna is saying that He treats everyone equally. He doesn't have favorites, and He doesn’t have any feelings of envy towards anyone. This means whether you are rich or poor, wise or not so wise, Krishna has the same attitude towards all living beings. He is like a generous cloud that spreads rain to all, regardless of who or what they are. Everyone gets the basic needs they require to live.
However, Krishna also mentions something special about those who serve Him with love and devotion. He cares a lot for these devotees. This might seem a little confusing. How can He treat everyone the same but still care more for His devotees? To understand this, think about a parent who loves all their children equally yet has a special bond with one who helps them or shows extra care. It’s not about being unfair; it’s about a natural connection that forms.
Krishna explains that those who are always aware of Him and are connected to Him in their hearts—this state is called 'Krsna consciousness.' These people have a deep relationship with Krishna, which means He is also present within them. They are like two friends who share a strong bond; they both appreciate each other. When a person serves Krishna wholeheartedly, it's like a mutual relationship. Krishna promises to take care of those who genuinely offer their love and service to Him. This is a special kind of attention that doesn’t mean Krishna ignores others, just that He has a deeper connection with His devotees.
To put it simply, think of a jewel and a beautiful ring. A diamond (which represents Krishna) shines in a golden ring (which represents the devotee). Both are beautiful, but when they are together, they look even more magnificent. Similarly, when a devotee serves Krishna, they both shine in their relationship. This teamwork between the devotee and Krishna is essential for understanding the bond they share.
Now, some people think that the Supreme Being (God) should just be an impersonal force without feelings, meaning that there isn't any personal relationship involved. But Krishna's teaching shows that He prefers a personal connection with those who believe in Him. Devotees not only serve Him; they also receive His love in return, creating a rich relationship full of love and companionship. This is what makes the connection unique and personal, unlike the impersonal philosophy where such relationships don't exist.