Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 9

English Translation

With minds fixed on Me, with lives dedicated to Me, enlightening each other, and always speaking of Me, they derive satisfaction and rejoice.

Detailed Commentary

Explanation— [Everything originates from Bhagavān, and all activity is driven by His power; meaning, the Supreme Being is at the root of everything. For those who have understood this truth without doubt, nothing remains to be achieved. Their only task is to remain absorbed in Bhagavān. This is what is stated in this Shloka.] 'Macchittāḥ' — They meditate on Me. When we engage ourselves in Bhagavān, the mind (manas), intellect (buddhi), etc., naturally become absorbed in Him. Just as if a person connects with Bhagavān himself, his mental disposition (manovṛtti) naturally turns in that direction. The mind (manas) and intellect (buddhi) will not be separate when the doer (kartā), i.e., we ourselves, connect with Bhagavān. Even while living in the world, it is not possible to connect with Bhagavān and fix the consciousness (citta) on Him unless we ourselves connect with Bhagavān. Secondly, the consciousness (citta) is fixed where there is a sense of belonging (apnapan) and dearness (priyatā). When one relates to Bhagavān, there arises a sense of belonging. When we accept that Bhagavān alone is ours and that we have no relation with the world, our consciousness (citta) naturally fixes on Bhagavān. Such devotees of Bhagavān are called 'Macchittāḥ'. 'Madgata-prāṇāḥ' — Their life-breaths (prāṇas) are dedicated solely to Bhagavān. All their activities, such as Yajña, rituals (anuṣṭhāna), eating, business (vyāpār), service (sevā), etc., are only for Bhagavān. Their very living and all their endeavors (ceṣṭāeṁ) are for Bhagavān alone. Just as the Gopis declared that they have offered their prāṇas to Bhagavān. For devotees, Bhagavān alone is important, not their worldly sustenance (jīvikā). 'Bodhayantaḥ parasparam' — When devotees imbued with divine sentiment (Bhagavad-bhāva) meet, they discuss the virtues (guṇa), mysteries (rahasya), essence (tattva), influence (prabhāva), etc., of Bhagavān. This creates a wonderful spiritual assembly (satsang). When two devotees meet and discuss Bhagavān, unique sentiments (vilakṣaṇa bhāva) spontaneously manifest within them. Such profound sentiments do not manifest as much through solitary contemplation (cintan) of Bhagavān. 'Kathayantaś ca mām' — When they find a listener, they narrate the stories (kathā), divine pastimes (līlā), and virtues (guṇa) of Bhagavān. Among them, there is no distinction between speaker and listener. 'Nityaṁ tuṣyanti ca' — Thus, by narrating and contemplating Bhagavān's stories, they remain ever content. The sole cause of their contentment is Bhagavān. 'Ramanti ca' — They delight in Bhagavān, they love Bhagavān. In this love, there remains no distinction between Bhagavān and the devotee (bhakta). The divine pastimes (līlās) of love between Bhagavān and the devotee continue for eternity, and this love grows moment by moment. Connection — In the previous verse, the nature of devotion (bhajan) by devotees was described. Now, in the subsequent verses, Bhagavān speaks of His special grace upon His devotees.