Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13, Verse 11

English Translation

And unwavering devotion to Me with single-minded concentration; inclination to repair into a clean place; lack of delight in a crowd of people;

Detailed Commentary

13.11 Commentary -- **Mayi cha Ananyayogena Bhaktiravyabhichārini** -- Due to relying on the worldly existence (Samsara), the aspirant's (sadhaka's) identification with the body (dehabhimana) persists. This dehabhimana is a significant obstacle in the knowledge of the Unmanifest (Avyakta). To remove this, Bhagavan here, with the aim of Tatvajnana (knowledge of Reality), speaks of the means in the form of His exclusive devotion (ananya bhakti). Through this, dehabhimana can be easily dispelled. There should be no desire to gain anything from anyone other than Bhagavan; only Bhagavan should be the refuge; this is Ananyayoga. One's connection should be solely with Bhagavan and with no one else; this is unswerving devotion (avyabhichārini bhakti) to Bhagavan. The implication is that Bhagavan alone should be the means (sadhana) and Bhagavan alone the goal (sadhya); this is avyabhichārini bhakti in Bhagavan through Ananyayoga. For the sadhaka who has the latent impressions (sanskāras) of both Jnana (knowledge) and Bhakti (devotion), this is very beneficial. The sadhaka should engage in spiritual practice (sadhana) according to the predominance of their latent impressions (sanskāras) of Karma (action), Jnana (knowledge), or Bhakti (devotion). The aim should be only the Supreme Self (Paramatma), not Prakriti (material nature). Thus, one attains Paramatma. Doubt -- Why is devotion to Bhagavan mentioned among the means of Jnana? Does a practitioner of Jnanayoga also engage in devotion to Bhagavan? Resolution -- Practitioners of Jnanayoga are of two types: Bhava-pradhan (predominantly emotional/devotional) and Viveka-pradhan (predominantly analytical/discriminative). The Bhava-pradhan seeker (jijnasu) desires to know the Reality (Tatva) by taking refuge in Bhagavan. The Viveka-pradhan seeker desires to know the Reality by contemplating on the real (Sat) and unreal (Asat). Nowadays, Bhava-pradhan seekers are seen more frequently. For them, the means in the form of Bhakti is more beneficial. Method -- To accept Bhagavan alone as one's own, and taking refuge in Bhagavan, to chant (Japa), sing (Kirtan), contemplate (Chintan), and remember (Smaran) the divine name (Bhagavannama) with faith and conviction, is the simple method of Bhakti. **Viviktadesha-sevitvam** -- The sadhaka should contemplate on Paramatma while staying in solitude. If solitude is not available, then there should be no disturbance (vikar) from worldly company. Worldly company can never be an obstacle. **Aratir Janasansadi** -- There should be no interest in ordinary society. However, maintain interest in the company of those who discuss the Truth (Tatva), because their association (sang) is a medicine for attaining detachment (asangatā).