Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9, Verse 32

English Translation

For, O son of Prtha, even those who are born of sin-women, Vaisyas, as also Sudras [S.'s construction of this portion is: women, Vaisyas as also Sudras, and even others who are born of sin (i.e., those who are born low and are of vile deeds, viz Mlecchas, Pukkasas and others). M.S. also takes papa-yonayah (born of sin) as a separate phrase, and classifies women and others only as those darred from Vedic study, etc.-Tr.]-, even they reach the highest Goal by taking shelter under Me.

Detailed Commentary

।।9.32।। Elucidation – 'Mām hi Pārtha vyapāśritya... yānti parāṁ gatim' – Those whose conduct is evil in this life are called 'durāchārī' (evil-doers) by Bhagavān. Those whose conduct was evil in previous births are called 'pāpayoni' (born of sin) by Bhagavān. 'Pāpayoni' includes Asuras, Rākṣasas, animals, birds, etc., and all of them are entitled to Bhakti towards Bhagavān. Sage Śāṇḍilya has stated that just as only humans are entitled to general virtues like compassion, forgiveness, generosity, etc., similarly all beings are entitled to Bhakti towards Bhagavān. The reason for this is that Jīvas are parts of Bhagavān, and therefore all of them have the right to move towards Bhagavān. In worldly affairs, beings have qualifications and disqualifications, but in taking refuge in Bhagavān, this is no obstacle. All who desire Bhagavān are entitled to His Bhakti. Even those of pāpayoni attain the Supreme Goal (Parama Gati) by taking refuge in Bhagavān and become purified. Impurity is considered to arise from corrupt conduct, but in reality, it is due to turning away from Bhagavān. Just as coal turns black as soon as it turns away from fire, but if it is placed back in the fire, it shines again. Similarly, when a Jīva is to move towards Bhagavān, it becomes pure, and Bhagavān accepts it. In devotion to Bhagavān, the primary importance is of sentiment (bhāva), not birth. Any person can move towards Bhagavān, regardless of how they were born. In devotion to Bhagavān, an earnest cry has special significance. Just as a mother picks up her child upon hearing its cry, similarly Bhagavān accepts His devotees. Special Note Any woman, regardless of her varṇa or āśrama, can attain the Supreme Goal by taking refuge in Bhagavān. The freedom of women is for going to Bhagavān's refuge. The same is true for Vaiśyas and Śūdras. In moving towards Bhagavān, the primary importance is of sentiment (bhāva), not birth. To walk on the path of discrimination (viveka) and knowledge (jñāna), it is essential to eradicate identification with the body. Those who desire Bhakti or liberation from Bhagavān should know their own existence and not remain identified with the body. When a person directs their sentiment towards Bhagavān, they become free from the body and worldly attachments. Context – Now, the description of the remaining two categories of adhikārīs (those entitled to Bhakti) is given in the next verse.