Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9, Verse 22

English Translation

To those who worship Me alone, thinking of no other, to those ever-devoted ones, I provide what they lack and preserve what they have.

Detailed Commentary

।।9.22।। Explanation— 'Ananyashchintayanto Mam Ye Janaah Paryupasate'—Those who understand that all that we experience is the very form of Bhagavan, and all changes and actions within it are Bhagavan's Lila (divine play), do not attribute importance to anything other than Bhagavan. They are always engaged in Bhagavan, hence they are 'Ananya' (undivided). Because their affection and importance are solely in Bhagavan, they naturally meditate on Bhagavan alone. 'Ananya' means that their means (sadhana) and goal (sadhya) are Bhagavan alone—that is, taking refuge in Bhagavan, meditating on Him, worshipping Him, and attaining Him. This is because everything else besides Bhagavan is perishable. Therefore, they have no desire for anything other than Bhagavan in their minds. Whatever actions they perform, such as eating, drinking, walking, talking, all are an act of Upasana (worship) of Bhagavan, because they do everything for Bhagavan's pleasure. 'Tesham Nityabhiyuktanam'—this word is used here for those who, being Ananya, meditate solely on Bhagavan. Their turning away from the world and turning towards Bhagavan alone is their 'Ananyata'; and remaining engaged in the service of Bhagavan in every situation is their Upasana. Those who possess these three qualities are 'Nityabhiyukta' (ever steadfastly devoted). 'Yoga-Kshemam Vahamyaham'—'Yoga' is the attainment of what is not yet obtained, and 'Kshema' is the preservation of what has been obtained. Bhagavan says that He carries the Yoga-Kshema of devotees constantly engaged in Him. He takes care of 'Yoga' in the attainment of the unobtained and 'Kshema' in its preservation, because Bhagavan does for the welfare of the devotee only that which is in the devotee's best interest. Therefore, Bhagavan's devotees remain joyful in every situation. Their faith is that whatever situation arises, it is sent by Bhagavan. Therefore, they do not differentiate between favorable and unfavorable circumstances. They believe that whatever Bhagavan has done is right, and even in what He has not done, their welfare lies. To think 'this should happen' or 'this should not happen' is not necessary for us, because we are always in Bhagavan's hands, and He always works for our true welfare. Whether the devotee's wish is fulfilled or not, in both lies his welfare. 'Vahamyaham' means that just as a mother understands the needs of her child and happily brings the object herself, so too Bhagavan fulfills every need for devotees constantly engaged in Him. Connection: After speaking about His own worship in the previous verse, Bhagavan now talks about the worship of other deities.