Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9, Verse 26

English Translation

Whoever offers Me with devotion-a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, I accept that (gift) of the pure-hearted man which has been devotionally presented.

Detailed Commentary

।।9.26।। Explanation—[The two functions of Bhagavan's Apara Prakriti are matter and action. By identifying with these two, the individual soul (Jeeva) begins to consider itself their enjoyer and owner, forgetting that Bhagavan is their true enjoyer and owner. To dispel this delusion, Bhagavan states here that whatever material things like a leaf, flower, fruit, etc., and whatever actions exist (9.27), dedicate all of them to Me, and you will be freed from adversity forever (9.28). While the worship of Devas requires specific rituals and mantras, with Me, the Jeeva has a spontaneous and natural relationship of belonging. Therefore, rituals are not primary for My attainment. Just as a child goes into its mother's lap without needing any specific ritual, approaching her through a natural sense of belonging. Similarly, for My attainment, rituals or mantras are not necessary; only a firm feeling of belonging is required.] 'Patram Pushpam Phalam Toyam Yo Me Bhaktya Prayachchati'— Whatever devotee offers even a simple leaf (such as a Tulasi leaf), a flower, a fruit, or water, obtained effortlessly and according to their means, with love to Bhagavan, Bhagavan accepts it. For instance, Bhagavan accepted a leaf from Draupadi and ate it, satisfying the three worlds. Gajendra offered a single flower from the lake to Bhagavan and bowed, and Bhagavan rescued Gajendra. Bhagavan was so pleased upon receiving the fruits given by Shabari that wherever an opportunity to eat arose, He would praise Shabari's fruits. Ranti Dev offered water to Bhagavan, who appeared in the form of an antyaja (outcaste), and he was blessed with the direct vision of Bhagavan. When the devotee's sentiment of offering to Bhagavan intensifies greatly, they forget themselves. Bhagavan also becomes so engrossed in the devotee's love that He forgets Himself. In the intensity of love, the devotee doesn't consider what they are giving, and Bhagavan also doesn't consider what He is receiving! For example, in the fervor of Vidura's love, she gave Bhagavan banana peels instead of the fruit, and Bhagavan ate those peels just the same. 'Tadaham Bhaktyupahritam Ashnami Prayatatmanah'— Bhagavan not only accepts the offering given with love by a pure-hearted devotee, but He assimilates it. Naming here a leaf, flower, fruit, and water implies that a leaf, flower, and fruit all originate from water, and water is their cause. This proves that when the devotee has the sentiment to give, Bhagavan also develops the sentiment to receive. 'Prayatatmanah' means one whose inner being (antahkarana) is absorbed in Bhagavan, who is solely devoted to Bhagavan; Bhagavan Himself partakes of the offering given by such a loving devotee. Here, the importance lies in Bhakti and Prema (devotion and love), because Bhagavan is hungry for Bhava (feeling/sentiment), not for material things. Therefore, the sentiment of the offerer must be primary and full of devotion. When items are offered and accepted by Bhagavan, they acquire a unique quality; their taste and fragrance are enhanced; eating them brings satisfaction. This is not a strict test that it always happens, but sometimes, when the devotee's sentiment is such, the offered items gain such distinct qualities. When humans offer substances, it becomes Yajna; when things are given to others, it is called Dana; when not used for oneself with self-control, it becomes Tapas; and when offered to Bhagavan, it becomes Yoga (connection with Bhagavan)—all these are different names for one Tyaga (renunciation). The world has two forms: Padartha (matter) and Kriya (action). Attachment to these two leads to downfall. Therefore, the offering of 'Padartha' was mentioned in the previous Shloka, and now, the offering of 'Kriya' is being discussed in the next Shloka.