विवेचन सारांश
Whoever remembers Bhagavān with love, in any way, surely reaches Him
Chapter 12 of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita - Bhakti Yoga - Yoga of devotion.
The session started with prayer to Sri Krishna and followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp.
In the first week, sadhaks learned 15 shlokas from Chapter 12, including chanting and pronunciation. The purpose is to live the Gītā, not only recite it. Today’s session focuses on the meanings of these shlokas, so that they can be implemented in daily life. Stories and examples will be used, because children understand best through stories.
Why should we learn the meanings?
Because the Gītā is practical wisdom, not just poetry. By learning meanings, we can:
- become smarter and more focused,
- overcome distractions,
- remain happy and strong,
- understand and answer quickly in school.
Just like after enjoying pani-puri, the sukhi puri completes the experience, learning shlokas is the pani-puri, and learning meanings is the sukhi puri, bringing true satisfaction.
Daily Practice:
Daily Practice:
- Chant at least one shloka every morning.
- Start small: one or two shlokas daily.
- Never stop—make Gita a part of life.
Regular practice transforms our personality. It makes us:
- More energetic,
- More focused,
- More confident,
- And most importantly—Krishna’s favourite.
What is Bhagavad GĪTĀ?
- Bhagavad means Bhagavān (God).
- Gītā means Song.
Thus, the Bhagavad Gītā is the Song sung by Bhagavān Himself. It was spoken in the battlefield of Mahābhārata, the war between Kauravas and Pāṇḍavas. Arjuna, the dearest disciple and warrior, became weak when he saw his dear grandfather Bhīṣma pitamaha, and Guru Droṇācārya, standing on the opposite side. His bow slipped from his hand, his eyes filled with tears. Sri Krishna then revealed the Gītā to clear Arjuna’s doubts.
Purpose of the Gītā
Purpose of the Gītā
- Teaches us to do our duty without fear.
- Shows why prayer, study, and devotion are important.
- Clears confusion, gives courage, brings clarity.
- Applicable everywhere, for better marks in school, to inspire others, and to remain strong in difficult times.
Just as the Gītā inspired Arjuna to fight and win the war, it can inspire us to live with focus and strength.
Gītā comprises of 700 shlokas divided across 18 chapters. Why do we start with chapter 12, instead of chapter 1?
Gītā comprises of 700 shlokas divided across 18 chapters. Why do we start with chapter 12, instead of chapter 1?
- Because chapter 12 is the sweetest and simplest chapter.
- It has only 20 shlokas (compared to Chapter 2 with 72 or Chapter 18 with 78).
- It helps us start small. A small beginning leads to a lifelong journey.
Chapter 12 is the doorway to devotion. By chanting and understanding these 20 shlokas, one begins to live with Sri Krishna as the closest friend and guide. Name of the Chapter is Bhakti Yoga.
- Bhakti = devotion, love, surrender to Bhagavān.
- Yoga = connection, union.
Taken together, this chapter helps us to Connect with Bhagavān through devotion.
12.1
arjuna uvāca
evaṁ(m) satatayuktā ye, bhaktāstvāṁ(m) paryupāsate,
ye cāpyakṣaRāmavyaktaṁ(n), teṣāṁ(ṅ) ke yogavittamāḥ. 12.1
Arjuna said : The devotees exclusively and constantly devoted to you in the manner stated just earlier, adore You as possessed of form and attributes, and those who adore as the supreme reality only the indestructible unmanifest Brahma (who is Truth, Knowledge and Bliss solidified) of these two types of worshippers who are the best knowers of Yoga?
Arjuna begins by asking Sri Krishna an important question - “Which path is better — worshiping Bhagavān with a form or worshiping His formless existence?”
Arjuna here presents a practical question. Devotees follow two paths:
- Saguna Bhakti – worshipping Bhagavān in form (Krishna, Rāma, Ganeśa). This path is easier for most people because we can imagine and connect with what we see.
- Nirguna Bhakti – Worshipping Bhagavān in his formless existence (energy, presence everywhere). Devotees meditate on Bhagavān’s formless presence, beyond physical shape. It requires deep concentration and discipline, often done by sages in places like the Himalayas. Like the air, we can feel it but not see it. Similarly, Bhagavān’s formless nature is everywhere but invisible. Sanskrit term for formless worship is Nirguna Upasana.
He wants to know which way brings devotees closer to Bhagavān.
śrībhagavānuvāca
mayyāveśya mano ye māṁ(n), nityayuktā upāsate,
śraddhayā parayopetāḥ(s), te me yuktatamā matāḥ. 12.2
Śrī Bhagavān said : I consider them to be the best Yogīs, who endowed with supreme faith, and ever united through meditation with Me, worship Me with their mind centred on Me.
Bhagavān answers that both types of devotion lead to Him eventually.
Bhagavān does not reject either form (Saguna) or formless (Nirguna) worship. He clearly says: Those who continuously remember Him with love are closest to Him. He emphasizes the word nitya (continuously). Just as we cannot study well if our mind keeps running to mobile notifications, in the same way—devotion needs undistracted focus. So, whichever way we worship (form or formless), the key is constant remembrance of Bhagavān.
How can we remember Him in daily life?
Bhagavān does not reject either form (Saguna) or formless (Nirguna) worship. He clearly says: Those who continuously remember Him with love are closest to Him. He emphasizes the word nitya (continuously). Just as we cannot study well if our mind keeps running to mobile notifications, in the same way—devotion needs undistracted focus. So, whichever way we worship (form or formless), the key is constant remembrance of Bhagavān.
How can we remember Him in daily life?
- Chanting His name.
- Recall one shloka from Bhagavad Gītā.
- Doing ārti, going to temple.
- Reading His stories.
- Offering food before eating—then it becomes prasāda.
- Even in school, while studying or eating, we can imagine Sri Krishna as our best friend sitting next to us. Tell Him what happened in school: jokes, fun moments, challenges, difficulties. Just like you share with your mom, dad, or best friend, share with Him.
Make Sri Krishna part of daily life — not just once a week or on special days.
At least once per day: Chant His name, read a shloka, or talk with Him.
Thus, devotion is not limited to rituals; it is a way of life.
Example – When a dear friend is away on a vacation, we eagerly wait for their return, so we can share with them everything that happened in their absence. Similarly, we can share with Sri Krishna all that happening in our life. When we bring Sri Krishna into our heart, we feel excited for His presence every day — and He also feels excited about us!
Key Takeaway:
True bhakti means remembering Sri Krishna continuously, like your dearest friend, not only in the temple but in every part of life.
At least once per day: Chant His name, read a shloka, or talk with Him.
Thus, devotion is not limited to rituals; it is a way of life.
Example – When a dear friend is away on a vacation, we eagerly wait for their return, so we can share with them everything that happened in their absence. Similarly, we can share with Sri Krishna all that happening in our life. When we bring Sri Krishna into our heart, we feel excited for His presence every day — and He also feels excited about us!
Key Takeaway:
True bhakti means remembering Sri Krishna continuously, like your dearest friend, not only in the temple but in every part of life.
ye tVākṣaRāmanirdeśyaṁ(m), avyaktaṁ(m) paryupāsate,
sarvatragamacintyaṁ(ñ) ca, kūṭasthamacalaṁ(n) dhruvam. 12.3
Those, however, who fully controlling all their senses and even-minded towards all, and devoted to the welfare of all beings, constantly adore as their very self the unthinkable,
Bhagavān exists in two ways:
- With form – Krishna with lotus eyes and curly hair; Ganesha with trunk and crown
- Formless – without visible shape, color, or features.
In this verse, Sri Krishna describes His formless nature through many adjectives.
Bhagavan’s formless existence is everywhere, indestructible, indescribable, and inconceivable. It cannot be seen with eyes, only experienced through meditation and devotion. This path is very deep and difficult — which is why some devotees renounce worldly life and meditate in the Himalayas.
Key Takeaway:
The formless aspect of God is real but subtle — beyond words, shape, and imagination. It can only be experienced, not described.
- 1. Akṣara (Indestructible) – never destroyed. Ex: Space: cannot be burnt, cut, or ended.
- 2. Anirdeśya (Indescribable) – words cannot capture it. Ex: Space has no color or shape.
- 3. Avyakta (Unmanifest) – not visible in front of us. Murti forms can be seen, but formless cannot be directly seen.
- 4. Sarvatra-gama (All-pervading) – present everywhere. Ex: Story of Prahlāda- Hiraṇyakaśipu asked, “Is your Vishnu in this pillar?” and Narasiṁha emerged, proving He is everywhere.
- 5. Acintya (Inconceivable) – beyond imagination. Ex: Remote control infrared light — it is real, but we cannot see it. Like trying to explain colors to a blind person — it is impossible without direct experience.
- 6. Dhruva (Eternal, Fixed) – never changes, always constant.
- Understanding the formless Divine presence through experience of pain: A child asked his mother is Bhagavān was real, and if so, why he cannot see Him. The mother didnt speak but slapped him. The boy started crying that he was in pain. The mother asked him to show the pain as she could not see it. The boy replied that the pain cannot be shown, but the experience was real. His mother made him understand that like pain, Bhagavān’s formless presence can only be experienced, not seen. We can experience Bhagavān when we take a step closer to HIM.
- Blind person & colors: Just as a blind person cannot imagine what “red” or “blue” means, so too the formless Divine is unimaginable to us unless we practice deeply.
Bhagavan’s formless existence is everywhere, indestructible, indescribable, and inconceivable. It cannot be seen with eyes, only experienced through meditation and devotion. This path is very deep and difficult — which is why some devotees renounce worldly life and meditate in the Himalayas.
Key Takeaway:
The formless aspect of God is real but subtle — beyond words, shape, and imagination. It can only be experienced, not described.
sanniyamyendriyagrāmaṁ(m), sarvatra ṣamabuddhayaḥ,
te prāpnuvanti māmeva, sarvabhūtahite ratāḥ. 12.4
Controlling all their senses, equal-minded towards all, and devoted to the welfare of all beings, assuredly they come to Me only.
This verse explains why Nirguna (formless existence) worship is difficult. It is hard to focus on something we cannot see. Devotees require mastery over the senses.
The Five Sense Organs
Sri Krishna first mentions indriya-nigraha — controlling the sense organs. We have five sense organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin. Controlling them means not allowing ourselves to be distracted.
Example:
If you are studying for an exam and someone switches on the TV nearby, what happens? The mind gets diverted. Some may focus for a few minutes, but soon attention drifts. This is the challenge of senses. Controlling them means staying steady, even when distractions appear.
Path of the Formless:
Sri Krishna explains, those who worship His formless presence also reach Him. But this path requires great discipline, control of senses, and constant focus. It is like the tapas of saints in the Himalayas — very difficult for most people. Thus, while both paths (form and formless) reach Bhagavān, the formless path is tougher. The verse also highlights sarvabhūta-hite ratāḥ — devotees who dedicate themselves to helping others.
Example:
In school, if you are smart and answer all questions, people like you. But if you also help classmates, share lunch with someone who forgot theirs, or explain a tough lesson — then people love you even more. Similarly, devotees who live for the welfare of others are very dear to Bhagavān.
Both Saguna (form) and Nirguna (formless) devotion lead to Bhagavān. But the easier path for most devotees is Bhakti through form, while serving others and controlling the senses.
The Five Sense Organs
Sri Krishna first mentions indriya-nigraha — controlling the sense organs. We have five sense organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin. Controlling them means not allowing ourselves to be distracted.
Example:
If you are studying for an exam and someone switches on the TV nearby, what happens? The mind gets diverted. Some may focus for a few minutes, but soon attention drifts. This is the challenge of senses. Controlling them means staying steady, even when distractions appear.
Path of the Formless:
Sri Krishna explains, those who worship His formless presence also reach Him. But this path requires great discipline, control of senses, and constant focus. It is like the tapas of saints in the Himalayas — very difficult for most people. Thus, while both paths (form and formless) reach Bhagavān, the formless path is tougher. The verse also highlights sarvabhūta-hite ratāḥ — devotees who dedicate themselves to helping others.
Example:
In school, if you are smart and answer all questions, people like you. But if you also help classmates, share lunch with someone who forgot theirs, or explain a tough lesson — then people love you even more. Similarly, devotees who live for the welfare of others are very dear to Bhagavān.
- Arjuna had asked, which devotees are better — those who worship Bhagavān in form or those who worship His formless aspect?
- Sri Krishna’s answer here is clear - Both reach Him. But the path of form is easier for most. The path of formless requires high self-control and continuous meditation. For us, it is simpler to worship Bhagavān in His form — chanting His names, reading His stories, imagining Him as our best friend, and speaking to Him in prayer.
Both Saguna (form) and Nirguna (formless) devotion lead to Bhagavān. But the easier path for most devotees is Bhakti through form, while serving others and controlling the senses.
kleśo'dhikatarasteṣāṁ(m), avyaktāsaktacetasām,
avyaktā hi gatirduḥkhaṁ(n), dehavadbhiravāpyate. 12.5
Of course, the strain is greater for those who have their mind attached to the Unmanifest, as attunement with the Unmanifest is attained with difficulty by the body-conscious people.
The Two Paths:
In the earlier shlokas, Sri Krishna said both kinds of devotees — those worshipping Him in form and those worshipping the formless — ultimately reach Him. Here He clarifies that the path of the formless is far more difficult.
Why is it Difficult?
When we sit to meditate on the formless, distractions come quickly. The body feels cold, hungry, or thirsty and he mind begins to wander. Since the formless has no image, no story, no qualities we can imagine, it is hard to keep focus. Only saints with great self-control can pursue this path. For most, it becomes a struggle.
The Easier Path – Worship in Form
Sri Krishna says it is easier to worship Him in form — by chanting His name, singing bhajans, reading stories of His life, offering prayers, or imagining Him as a friend. This gives the mind something concrete to hold on to, and devotion flows naturally.
Why Become Sri Krishna’s Friend?
We become like the company we keep. It is said: “You are the average of your five closest friends.” If we keep kind, smart, positive friends, we grow like them. Imagine making Bhagavān as our best friend. Then His qualities—strength, wisdom, kindness, focus, and love—will begin to shine in us.
Example: Even when the TV is on or friends are calling us to play, if we remember Sri Krishna as our companion, we gain His strength to remain focused on studies.
Key Takeaway:
Worshipping the form of Bhagavān is simple and joyful. By making Him our closest friend, we slowly become like Him — wise, loving, and strong.
In the earlier shlokas, Sri Krishna said both kinds of devotees — those worshipping Him in form and those worshipping the formless — ultimately reach Him. Here He clarifies that the path of the formless is far more difficult.
Why is it Difficult?
When we sit to meditate on the formless, distractions come quickly. The body feels cold, hungry, or thirsty and he mind begins to wander. Since the formless has no image, no story, no qualities we can imagine, it is hard to keep focus. Only saints with great self-control can pursue this path. For most, it becomes a struggle.
The Easier Path – Worship in Form
Sri Krishna says it is easier to worship Him in form — by chanting His name, singing bhajans, reading stories of His life, offering prayers, or imagining Him as a friend. This gives the mind something concrete to hold on to, and devotion flows naturally.
Why Become Sri Krishna’s Friend?
We become like the company we keep. It is said: “You are the average of your five closest friends.” If we keep kind, smart, positive friends, we grow like them. Imagine making Bhagavān as our best friend. Then His qualities—strength, wisdom, kindness, focus, and love—will begin to shine in us.
Example: Even when the TV is on or friends are calling us to play, if we remember Sri Krishna as our companion, we gain His strength to remain focused on studies.
Key Takeaway:
Worshipping the form of Bhagavān is simple and joyful. By making Him our closest friend, we slowly become like Him — wise, loving, and strong.
ye tu sarvāṇi karmāṇi, mayi sannyasya matparāḥ,
ananyenaiva yogena, māṁ(n) dhyāyanta upāsate. 12.6
On the other hand, those depending exclusively on Me, and surrendering all actions to Me, worship Me (God with attributes), constantly meditating on Me with single-minded devotion.
In this verse, Sri Krishna talks about those devotees who dedicate all their actions to Him .
What does it mean to dedicate actions?
Dedication does not mean avoiding work or studies. It means doing our duty sincerely, without attachment to the result, and thinking of Him while doing it.
Example – Exams:
If you have an exam tomorrow, Sri Krishna is not saying “skip studying and just pray.” No — you must study well, prepare properly, and write sincerely. But instead of worrying about the result, think: “I am studying for Sri Krishna; this is His test.” That way, you dedicate your action to Him.
Bringing Sri Krishna into Daily Life:
We are busy with many activities—studies, hobbies, food, art. Sri Krishna says: "Bring Me into all these".
What does it mean to dedicate actions?
Dedication does not mean avoiding work or studies. It means doing our duty sincerely, without attachment to the result, and thinking of Him while doing it.
Example – Exams:
If you have an exam tomorrow, Sri Krishna is not saying “skip studying and just pray.” No — you must study well, prepare properly, and write sincerely. But instead of worrying about the result, think: “I am studying for Sri Krishna; this is His test.” That way, you dedicate your action to Him.
Bringing Sri Krishna into Daily Life:
We are busy with many activities—studies, hobbies, food, art. Sri Krishna says: "Bring Me into all these".
- Cooking - If you make Maggi noodles, imagine you are cooking for Sri Krishna. Offer it before eating
- Painting - If you love to paint, either paint Sri Krishna, or think: “Sri Krishna asked me to paint this for Him”
- Studying - Think that your effort is a gift to Sri Krishna.
When we do this, even ordinary actions become sacred offerings.
Why dedicate actions?
Because when Sri Krishna becomes part of our everyday life, He becomes very dear to us. We become very dear to Him. Our bond with Him deepens with love.
Key Takeaway:
Dedication is not about abandoning duties — it is about doing them sincerely, offering them to Sri Krishna, and living every action as His service.
Why dedicate actions?
Because when Sri Krishna becomes part of our everyday life, He becomes very dear to us. We become very dear to Him. Our bond with Him deepens with love.
Key Takeaway:
Dedication is not about abandoning duties — it is about doing them sincerely, offering them to Sri Krishna, and living every action as His service.
teṣāmahaṁ(m) samuddhartā, mṛtyusaṁsārasāgarāt,
bhavāmi nacirātpārtha, mayyāveśitacetasām. 12.7
O Arjuna! Who fix their mind on Me, I rescue them from the ocean of birth and death.
Sri Krishna’s Promise:
Those who dedicate their actions to Him, who constantly think of Him, become very dear to Him. To such devotees, Sri Krishna gives
Those who dedicate their actions to Him, who constantly think of Him, become very dear to Him. To such devotees, Sri Krishna gives
- Strength – they grow more focused and confident,
- Fearlessness – difficulties cannot shake them and
- Protection – Krishna personally saves them from dangers.
Story of Gajendra Mokṣa:
Once there was an elephant king named Gajendra. In a past life he had been a human king and a great devotee of Vishnu. Even after becoming an elephant due to a curse, he never forgot Bhagavān. One day, while bathing in a river, a crocodile (a demon in its next birth) attacked him and dragged him under. In pain and fear, Gajendra called out to Vishnu. Bhagavān rushed on Garuḍa, rescued Gajendra, and also liberated the crocodile. This story shows that when devotees remember Him sincerely, Bhagavān personally comes to protect them.
Living Devotion in Daily Life: Just as we share our favourite food with a best friend, we can offer our food, studies, or activities to Sri Krishna. If we do this with love, He accepts and makes us stronger and happier.
Essence of the Shloka: Sri Krishna says: “If you dedicate your life to Me, I will personally take care of you, I will remove your difficulties, and I will save you from the ocean of worldly suffering.”
Key Takeaway:
Bhakti is not only about what we do for Sri Krishna — it is about trusting Him to do for us. When we give our love and actions to Him, He gives us His protection and liberation.
Once there was an elephant king named Gajendra. In a past life he had been a human king and a great devotee of Vishnu. Even after becoming an elephant due to a curse, he never forgot Bhagavān. One day, while bathing in a river, a crocodile (a demon in its next birth) attacked him and dragged him under. In pain and fear, Gajendra called out to Vishnu. Bhagavān rushed on Garuḍa, rescued Gajendra, and also liberated the crocodile. This story shows that when devotees remember Him sincerely, Bhagavān personally comes to protect them.
Living Devotion in Daily Life: Just as we share our favourite food with a best friend, we can offer our food, studies, or activities to Sri Krishna. If we do this with love, He accepts and makes us stronger and happier.
Essence of the Shloka: Sri Krishna says: “If you dedicate your life to Me, I will personally take care of you, I will remove your difficulties, and I will save you from the ocean of worldly suffering.”
Key Takeaway:
Bhakti is not only about what we do for Sri Krishna — it is about trusting Him to do for us. When we give our love and actions to Him, He gives us His protection and liberation.
mayyeva mana ādhatsva, mayi buddhiṁ(n) niveśaya,
nivasiṣyasi mayyeva, ata ūrdhvaṁ(n) na saṁśayaḥ. 12.8
Therefore, fix your mind on Me, and establish your intellect in Me alone; thereafter you will abide solely in Me. There is no doubt about it.
This verse explains the conflict between the mind and the intellect.
Mind vs. Intellect:
Sri Krishna’s Solution: Surrender both your mind and intellect to Him.
Mind vs. Intellect:
- We all have mind (manaḥ) and intellect (buddhi). But often they disagree.
- Intellect says: “I have exams. I should study.”
- Mind says: “But there’s a TV show to watch… my friends are playing outside…”
- This conflict creates difficulty and distraction.
Sri Krishna’s Solution: Surrender both your mind and intellect to Him.
- Mind: Think of Him, remember Him in daily life.
- Intellect: Use your reasoning to guide your decisions towards Him. If we do this, our concentration improves, we become smarter and more focused, we live “in Sri Krishna” — always protected, always connected.
Example – Missing Family or Friends
When you are far from your parents or a close friend, you naturally think of them throughout the day — what they might be doing, what they might say. In the same way, if we integrate Sri Krishna into our life, we will naturally think of Him more and more.
The Challenge:
It is not easy to continuously think of Bhagavān. The mind is restless and keeps wandering. That is why, in the next shloka (12.9), Sri Krishna gives another step — what to do if we cannot focus on Him all the time.
Key Takeaway:
When both our mind and intellect are dedicated to Sri Krishna, our whole life rests in Him. This is the highest harmony.
When you are far from your parents or a close friend, you naturally think of them throughout the day — what they might be doing, what they might say. In the same way, if we integrate Sri Krishna into our life, we will naturally think of Him more and more.
The Challenge:
It is not easy to continuously think of Bhagavān. The mind is restless and keeps wandering. That is why, in the next shloka (12.9), Sri Krishna gives another step — what to do if we cannot focus on Him all the time.
Key Takeaway:
When both our mind and intellect are dedicated to Sri Krishna, our whole life rests in Him. This is the highest harmony.
atha cittaṁ(m) samādhātuṁ(n), na śaknoṣi mayi sthiram,
abhyāsayogena tato, māmicchāptuṁ(n) dhanañjaya. 12.9
If you cannot steadily fix the mind on Me, O Arjuna! then seek to attain Me through the Yoga of practice.
Sri Krishna’s Step-by-Step Guidance:
In the previous verse (12.8), Krishna asked us to fix both mind and intellect on Him. But what if we cannot do that all the time? Krishna says: Practice! (abhyāsa yoga).
We can train our mind to focus on Sri Krishna through many activities:
In the previous verse (12.8), Krishna asked us to fix both mind and intellect on Him. But what if we cannot do that all the time? Krishna says: Practice! (abhyāsa yoga).
We can train our mind to focus on Sri Krishna through many activities:
- Ārti – waving lamps with love.
- Bhajan/Kīrtan – singing His names.
- Temple visit – darśan and prayers.
- Chanting mantras.
- Reading scriptures like the Bhagavad Gītā.
- Meditation – sitting quietly and remembering Him.
- Creative offerings – painting Krishna, writing for Him, or cooking for Him.
Any of these, done regularly, help us practice keeping our mind on Him.
Example – Exams & Busy Life
Sometimes life feels too busy — like exams at school. We may not always get time to go to the temple or do ārti. On such days, even remembering Him briefly, chanting a mantra, or thinking of Him while studying is a form of practice. Sri Krishna accepts whatever effort we make with love.
Key Takeaway:
If you cannot always keep your mind fixed on Bhagavān, don’t give up. Start with small, regular practices — bhajan, chanting, ārti, or reading. Practice makes the heart grow closer to Him.
Example – Exams & Busy Life
Sometimes life feels too busy — like exams at school. We may not always get time to go to the temple or do ārti. On such days, even remembering Him briefly, chanting a mantra, or thinking of Him while studying is a form of practice. Sri Krishna accepts whatever effort we make with love.
Key Takeaway:
If you cannot always keep your mind fixed on Bhagavān, don’t give up. Start with small, regular practices — bhajan, chanting, ārti, or reading. Practice makes the heart grow closer to Him.
abhyāse'pyaṣamartho'si, matkarmaparamo bhava,
madarthamapi karmāṇi, kurvansiddhimavāpsyasi. 12.10
If you are unable even to the pursuit of such practice, be intent to work for Me; you shall attain perfection (in the shape of My realization) even by performing actions for My sake.
If you cannot always meditate or chant, then Sri Krishna says: Whatever activity you do — cook, dance, sing, study — do it for Him.
Examples:
Examples:
- Cooking Maggi noodles - Imagine Sri Krishna is sitting beside you, and make it for Him.
- Dancing - Think Sri Krishna is watching you, and you’re performing for Him.
- Singing -Tell Him: “I’m singing this just for You.”
athaitadapyaśakto'si, kartuṁ(m) madyogamāśritaḥ,
sarVākarmaphalatyāgaṁ(n), tataḥ(kh) kuru yatātmavān. 12.11
If, taking recourse to the Yoga of My realization, you are unable even to do this, then, subduing your mind and intellect etc., relinquish the fruit of all actions.
If even dedicating actions feels hard — Sri Krishna gives one more step: Give up worrying about results. Do your duty sincerely, but leave the outcome to Him.
Example – Exams: You cannot write “Sri Krishna” in the answer sheet; you must write what you studied. But you can still say: “Sri Krishna, I studied and wrote sincerely. The result is in Your hands.” Don’t stress about marks — whether it’s 70%, 90%, or full. This way, even in busy or difficult times, we keep Sri Krishna in our life by offering Him the results of our work.
Through Shlokas 8–11, Sri Krishna gives a ladder of devotion:
Example – Exams: You cannot write “Sri Krishna” in the answer sheet; you must write what you studied. But you can still say: “Sri Krishna, I studied and wrote sincerely. The result is in Your hands.” Don’t stress about marks — whether it’s 70%, 90%, or full. This way, even in busy or difficult times, we keep Sri Krishna in our life by offering Him the results of our work.
Through Shlokas 8–11, Sri Krishna gives a ladder of devotion:
- Best: Fix your mind and intellect fully on Him (12.8).
- If not: Practice devotion regularly (chanting, ārti, meditation) (12.9).
- If not: Do your daily tasks as an offering to Him (12.10).
- If not: At least surrender the results of your actions to Him (12.11).
Key Takeaway:
No matter where we are — deeply focused, practicing devotion, offering our work, or just surrendering results — Sri Krishna gives us a way to connect with Him. Each step brings us closer to making Him our best friend.
Short trailer — what’s next (shlokas 12.12 onward)
Today we finished the first eleven shlokas — Sri Krishna gave us a ladder of devotion (fix mind & buddhi on Him → practice bhakti → offer actions → surrender results).
Next, He tells us how to become His favorite — what qualities make someone very dear to Him.
Why be Sri Krishna’s favourite?
Sri Krishna is loving, kind, wise, strong and fearless. If He becomes our closest friend, we start to become like Him — more focused, more calm, more loving, and more confident. Being His friend brings protection, peace and inner strength.
What to expect in the next shlokas
The next part of Chapter 12 is a practical checklist of small but powerful habits that will make you Krishna’s beloved and change your life step by step. He describes 39 concrete qualities (short virtues and attitudes). Each quality is a simple habit you can practice — small changes that slowly transform your life. These are practical, and can be applied at school, at home, while studying, playing or helping others.
The session ended with remembering Bhagavān, and chanting Hari Naam.
No matter where we are — deeply focused, practicing devotion, offering our work, or just surrendering results — Sri Krishna gives us a way to connect with Him. Each step brings us closer to making Him our best friend.
Short trailer — what’s next (shlokas 12.12 onward)
Today we finished the first eleven shlokas — Sri Krishna gave us a ladder of devotion (fix mind & buddhi on Him → practice bhakti → offer actions → surrender results).
Next, He tells us how to become His favorite — what qualities make someone very dear to Him.
Why be Sri Krishna’s favourite?
Sri Krishna is loving, kind, wise, strong and fearless. If He becomes our closest friend, we start to become like Him — more focused, more calm, more loving, and more confident. Being His friend brings protection, peace and inner strength.
What to expect in the next shlokas
The next part of Chapter 12 is a practical checklist of small but powerful habits that will make you Krishna’s beloved and change your life step by step. He describes 39 concrete qualities (short virtues and attitudes). Each quality is a simple habit you can practice — small changes that slowly transform your life. These are practical, and can be applied at school, at home, while studying, playing or helping others.
The session ended with remembering Bhagavān, and chanting Hari Naam.
Questions and Answers
Divyansh ji
Q: Why are Krishna, Vishnu, Rama, and Shiva depicted as blue?
A: Their blue color represents their aura, which is like the vast sky and ocean — all-encompassing and infinite. The sky itself is said to get its color because of them. The term "Ghagan" is used to describe the deep blue color, similar to clouds before rain.
Apoorva ji
Q: Why was the elephant (Gajendra) cursed?
A: In a past life, Gajendra was King Indradyumna, a devout worshipper of Bhagavān Vishnu. While deeply meditating in the forest, Sage Agastya visited him. The king failed to greet and respect the sage as he was lost in meditation. Feeling insulted, Sage Agastya cursed him to be born as an elephant in his next life. This led to the well-known Gajendra Moksha story where Vishnu Bhagavān saves and liberates him.
Aashna ji
Q: Which Kaurava switched sides to fight for the pāṇḍavas?
A:The Kaurava who switched sides was Yuyutsu, the son of Dhritarashtra and a maid named Sugra. Yuyutsu chose to fight for dharma and joined the pāṇḍavas because he knew the Kauravas were on the wrong side.
Q: Who was the first daughter-in-law of Kunti?
A:Many think Draupadi was the first, but actually, it was Hidimba, wife of Bhima. She married Bhima before Draupadi’s marriage to the pāṇḍavas.
Gayathri ji
Q: Is Rama a rebirth of Krishna or vice versa?
A: Rama and Krishna are different manifestations of the same divine being – Bhagavān Vishnu. It's like seeing the same person in different roles. For example: A mother who is also a doctor is seen differently by her child and her patients. Similarly, devotees perceive them based on their own devotion. Sri Rama devotees see Krishna as Rama reborn. Sri Krishna devotees see Rama as Krishna's earlier form.
Prahastha ji
Q: Why was Rama born as a human?
A: Sri Rama incarnated as a human to teach mankind how to live a life of dharma. Though powerful as Bhagavān Vishnu, Sri Rama chose to live a human life to serve as an example for humanity. He demonstrated:
- Respect for parents (e.g., exile for 14 years without complaint).
- Righteousness and duty over personal comfort.
- That even in difficult times, one must uphold morality and truth.
Ishank ji
Q: Why was baby Krishna powerful?
A: Sri Krishna, even as a baby, retained his divine powers because he was fully God in human form. His child form was divine and extraordinary, unlike an ordinary baby. Examples of his divine abilities:
- Showing the entire universe inside his mouth to his mother Yashoda.
- Lifting the Govardhan hill to protect villagers.
Saee ji
Q: Can you please explain the context of Yudhishthira’s statement during the Kurukshetra war about Ashwatthama:
A: During the Mahabharata war, Dronacharya was unstoppable. Sri Krishna knew the only way to defeat him was to break his spirit, as no warrior could overpower him in battle. He suggested that Yudhishthira announce that Ashwatthama was dead, without clearly stating whether it was Dronacharya’s son (Ashwatthama) or an elephant named Ashwatthama. Yudhishthira announced "Aśvatthāmā hataḥ narova kuñjarova."("Ashwatthama is dead — whether it is the man or the elephant.")
- Aśvatthāmā hataḥ → "Ashwatthama has been killed."
- naro vā → "Whether it was a man"
- kuñjaro vā → "Or an elephant"
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