Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7, Verse 16

English Translation

O Arjuna, foremost of the Bharata dynasty, four classes of people of virtuous deeds adore Me: the afflicted, the seeker of Knowledge, the seeker of wealth and the man of Knowledge.

Detailed Commentary

7.16. Elucidation: "'Chaturvidhā bhajante mām janāḥ sukṛtino'rjuna'" – Arjuna, there are four types of people who establish a relationship with the Lord and worship Him (bhajan). In the previous verse, "dushkritinaḥ" referred to those who were not connected with the Lord. Now, "sukṛtinaḥ" refers to those who are interested in the Lord. They establish a relationship with the Lord and perform actions for Him. Sukṛtinaḥ (virtuous people) are of two types: firstly, those who perform Vedic (śāstrīya) activities like yajña (sacrifices), dāna (charity), tapa (austerity) for the Lord; and secondly, those who chant the Lord's Name (nāma japa), perform kīrtan, and listen to and narrate His lilā (divine pastimes). They are truly fortunate. Even if this interest arose for some other reason, they are called sukriti. Having an interest towards the Lord is the most opportune moment and a great treasure. Having received this human body by the grace of the Lord, given for salvation (uddhāra), such people are worthy of being called devotees (bhakta) of the Lord. "'Ārto jijñāsurarthārthī jñānī cha Bharatarṣabha'" – These four types of devotees take refuge in the Lord: (1) Arthārthī bhakta (seeker of wealth/objects) – who desire only from the Lord for just comforts, wealth, and opulence. They worship (bhajan) with faith in the Lord. (2) Ārta bhakta (the distressed devotee) – who call upon the Lord in times of calamity, crisis, or difficulty, and expect relief only from Him. (3) Jijñāsu bhakta (the inquisitive/seeker of knowledge devotee) – who possess a strong desire to know the truth (tattva) of themselves and the Lord, and for this, do not even primarily rely on scriptures (śāstra), a Guru, or personal endeavor (puruṣārtha). (4) Jñānī (Premī) bhakta (the wise/loving devotee) – These remain absorbed in the Lord with special love (prema) and wisdom (jñāna). The special point is that to be imbued with the love of the Lord and to offer everything to Him is the highest sādhanā (spiritual practice). This very sense of oneness (ananyatā) and intimacy (apanapan) leads the jīva (individual soul) towards true knowledge. Love awakens even in those who turn towards the Lord due to wealth, distress, or inquisitiveness. Sambandha (Connection): In the next verse, the special characteristics of the Jñānī bhakta will be described in detail.