Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9, Verse 13

English Translation

O son of Prtha, the noble ones, being possessed of divine nature, surely adore Me with single-mindedness, knowing Me as the immutable source of all objects.

Detailed Commentary

।।9.13।। Explanation – "Mahātmānas tu māṁ Pārtha daivīṁ prakṛtim āśritāḥ" – The word 'tu' (but) is used to distinguish the Mahātmās, who possess divine qualities, from the foolish individuals of demonic, devilish, and deluded nature described in the previous verse. 'Daivīm Prakṛtim' means divine wealth or Daivī Sampatti. The name 'Deva' belongs to the Supreme Being, and His wealth is called Daivī. The Supreme Being is 'Sat' (Existence); therefore, the qualities and actions associated with Him are called good qualities (Sadguṇas) and good conduct (Sadācāra). All these are the nature of Bhagavan, hence they are called 'Prakṛti'. To take refuge in Daivī Prakṛti is to take refuge in Bhagavan. Qualities of Daivī Sampatti, such as those mentioned in Gītā (16.1-3), are available to everyone. It is up to an individual to choose whether or not to take refuge in them. But those who, by taking refuge in them, progress towards the Paramātmā, secure their own welfare. The search is for Truth, which has always existed. It is necessary to adopt and take refuge in these qualities as part of that search. These are not one's own creation. One who considers them to be self-earned through personal effort develops ego (abhimāna). However, when these qualities are understood to belong to Bhagavan, there is no ego. Ego arises only from a lack of completeness. When divine qualities become the goal, there is no ego. This leads to humility, simplicity, and freedom from pride. Those who turn away from Bhagavan and indulge in worldly pleasures are foolish. Those who have taken refuge in Bhagavan are called Mahātmās. "Bhajanty ananyamanaso jñātvā bhūtādim avyayam" – I am the primordial source of all beings (Bhūtādi) and imperishable (Avyayam). Even when the universe is created and dissolved, I remain beginningless and endless. Infinite creations emerge from Me, yet there is no diminution in Me. Those who know Me as beginningless and imperishable worship Me with an undivided mind (ananyamanas). Those with an undivided mind feel a sense of belonging with Bhagavan. Worshipping Bhagavan with this feeling of belonging yields great benefit. Thus, worshipping Bhagavan is a surrender to Him with a sense of oneness. Connection – Having described those who worship Him in the previous verse, Bhagavan now proceeds to explain the manner of their worship in the following verse.