Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9, Verse 29

English Translation

I am impartial towards all beings; to Me there is none detastable or none dear. But those who worship Me with devotion, they exist in Me, and I too exist in them.

Detailed Commentary

।।9.29।। Explanation— 'Samo'haṁ sarvabhūteṣu'—I am equally pervasive in all beings and equally compassionate in my gaze. This means that I am equally present in all, and My grace is upon all equally. No one can say that I am less in an ant and more in an elephant. All beings are My *aṁśa* (parts). I can never be separate from them. Therefore, I have no partiality towards anyone. 'Na me dveṣyo'sti na priyaḥ'—The Lord said that for Me, no being is dear or hateful. I am equally pervasive in all. Whether one performs auspicious or inauspicious actions, they do not become subjects of My *rāga-dveṣa* (attachment or aversion). Being a *puṇyātmā* (virtuous soul) or a *pāpātmā* (sinful soul) is not a subject of *rāga-dveṣa* for Me. Even the elements (*tattva*) created by Me do not display *rāga-dveṣa* towards any being. Although there may be differences based on good or bad conduct, they bestow equally upon all. In the same way, I also do not harbor *rāga-dveṣa* towards beings. 'Ye bhajanti tu māṁ bhaktyā mayi te teṣu cāpyaham'—Those who worship Me with *bhakti* (devotion), they are in Me, and I am in them. This does not mean that I am not in others; it is because they do not consider themselves as being with Me that this distinction arises. If someone does not become My devotee, it is their inequality (*viṣamatā*), not Mine. The sun's rays do not discriminate, but whoever benefits from them does so due to their own inherent qualities. In the Lord's perception, all are equal. However, those who perform *bhajan* (devotional worship) receive the Lord's special grace (*viśeṣa kṛpā*). 'Ye bhajanti'—Whoever they may be, of any *jāti* (birth/caste), class, or status, if they perform *bhajan* with *bhakti*, they are in Me, and I am in them. The Lord has granted freedom to all to perform *bhajan*; there is no partiality in this. Connection—In the previous *śloka* (verse), the Lord spoke about performing *bhajan* with *bhakti*. Now, in the following *śloka*, He begins the deliberation (*vivecana*) on those who perform *bhajan*.