Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 65

English Translation

Have your mind fixed on Me, be My devotee, be a sacrificer to Me and bow down to Me. (Thus) you will come to Me alone. (This) truth do I pormise to you. (For) you are dear to Me.

Detailed Commentary

।।18.65।। *Mādbhaktaḥ* — The seeker should first change their *ahaṁtā* (sense of 'I-ness') to "I belong to Bhagavan." Because without changing *ahaṁtā*, *sādhanā* (spiritual practice) does not proceed easily. When *ahaṁtā* is changed, *sādhanā* begins to happen naturally. Therefore, the seeker should first become a *bhakta* (devotee) of Bhagavan. Just as when one becomes a disciple, one changes their *ahaṁtā* to "I belong to Guru Maharaj." When a girl gets married, she changes her *ahaṁtā* to "I belong to my in-laws," and the connection with her father's lineage is relinquished. Similarly, the seeker should change their *ahaṁtā* to "I belong only to Bhagavan, and Bhagavan alone is mine; I do not belong to the world, and the world does not belong to me." [When *ahaṁtā* changes, *mamatā* (sense of 'mine-ness') also changes automatically.] *Manmanā Bhava* — By considering oneself to belong to Bhagavan in the aforementioned way, the mind naturally becomes absorbed in Bhagavan. The reason is that whatever one considers 'one's own' naturally feels dear, and where there is dearness, the mind naturally becomes attached. Therefore, by considering Bhagavan as one's own, Bhagavan naturally becomes dear. Then, the mind naturally reflects on Bhagavan's names, qualities, influence, *līlās* (divine pastimes), and so on. The chanting of Bhagavan's name and meditation on His form are performed with great earnestness and devotion. *Madyājī* — When *ahaṁtā* changes, that is, upon considering oneself to belong to Bhagavan, all worldly activities transform into service to Bhagavan; meaning, the work the seeker previously did for the world now becomes Bhagavan's work. The more firm the connection with Bhagavan becomes, the more the spirit of service transforms into a spirit of *pūjā* (worship). Then, whether one performs worldly tasks, household chores, bodily functions, or any high or low task, the sentiment of worshiping Bhagavan remains constant. One develops the firm conviction that one has no other task except the worship of Bhagavan. *Māṁ Namaskuru* — Prostrate completely before the feet of Bhagavan, surrendering entirely to Him. Holding the sentiment in the mind, "I am fallen at the feet of the Lord," one should remain supremely pleased, accepting whatever favorable or unfavorable situation arises as Bhagavan's auspicious arrangement. Whatever arrangement Bhagavan makes for me will certainly be auspicious. Whether the situation is understandable to me or not is another matter, but Bhagavan's arrangement is undoubtedly beneficial for me; there is no doubt in this. Therefore, whatever happens is not the result of my *karmas* (actions), but rather an arrangement mercifully sent by Bhagavan solely for my welfare. The reason is that Bhagavan, being the supreme well-wisher of all beings, makes arrangements only for the welfare of *jīvas* (souls). Therefore, Bhagavan, by sending favorable or unfavorable situations, destroys the merits and demerits of beings, purifies them completely, and draws them to His feet – to hold this firm conviction is to offer *namaskāra* (obeisance) at Bhagavan's feet. *Māmevaiṣyasi Satyaṁ Te Pratijāne Priyo'si Me* — Bhagavan says that by thus becoming My *bhakta*, by fixing your mind on Me, by worshiping Me, and by offering *namaskāra* to Me, you will attain Me alone, that is, you will reside in Me. Such is My true vow, for you are dear to Me. The import of saying "priyo'si me" (you are dear to Me) is that Bhagavan has immense affection for all *jīvas*. Being His own *aṁśa* (part), no *jīva* is displeasing to Bhagavan. Whether Bhagavan sends *jīvas* into 8.4 million species or to the hellish realms, His sole purpose is to purify the *jīvas*. This merciful arrangement of Bhagavan towards *jīvas* is a symbol of His love. To reveal this truth, Bhagavan addresses Arjuna as a representative of all *jīvas* with the words "priyo'si me." Every *jīva* is extremely dear to Bhagavan. Only the *jīva*, turning away from Bhagavan, begins to consider the transient world (wealth, possessions, family, body, senses, mind, intellect, *prāṇa*, etc.), which is constantly separating from it, as its own, whereas the world has never considered the *jīva* as its own. It is the *jīva* alone that unilaterally forms a connection with the world. The world is constantly changing, while the *jīva* is eternally immutable. The *jīva* makes the mistake of considering the relationship with the constantly changing world as eternal. This is why, even when a relative is no longer present, the perceived relationship with them persists. This perceived relationship is the cause of all distress. Everyone is free to accept or reject this relationship. Therefore, relinquishing this perceived relationship, one should take refuge in Bhagavan, with whom our true and eternal connection lies. **Connection** — Having reassured Arjuna in the preceding two *ślokas*, Bhagavan now, in the upcoming *śloka*, reveals the most confidential essence of His teaching.