Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9, Verse 15

English Translation

Others verily worship Me by adoring exclusively through the sacrifice of the knowledge of oneness; (others worship Me) multifariously, and (others) as the multiformed existing variously.

Detailed Commentary

The hunger of all starving individuals is one, and upon eating, the satiety experienced by all is also one, yet their preference for food items differs. Similarly, when people focus on the world, they remain unsatisfied. But when they advance towards the Paramatma, they achieve ultimate satisfaction and comprehend all truths. Their interests (ruchi), aptitudes (yogyata), and faith (shraddha) are distinct, and therefore their forms of worship (upasanas) are also distinct. 'Jnana Yagyena chaapyanye yajanto maamupasate ekatvena' — Some Jnana Yogis, through discriminative wisdom (vivek), renounce untruth, perceive the Paramatma as their own true Self (swaroop), and worship His formless (nirguna) aspect. The world has no independent existence, for it was not before, nor will it endure again. Its existence appears only due to the Paramatma. Our inherent unity with the Paramatma—this unceasing focus upon the Paramatma is indeed upasana performed with a sense of oneness (ekibhava). Here, 'yajantah' signifies that within them, there is reverence only for the Paramatma — this itself constitutes their worship (puja). 'Prithaktvena bahudha vishvatomukham' — Many Karma Yogis, considering themselves as servants and the world as a manifestation of Bhagavan, dedicate all their actions (kriyas) and resources (samagri) to the service of the world. They endeavor to resolve the happiness and suffering (sukha and duhkha) of all and remain engaged in serving people with their strength. Through Bhagavan's grace (kripa), they attain perfection (purnata). Connection — When all forms of worship (upasanas) are distinct, how do they all belong to You? This is explained in the following four verses (shlokas).