Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9, Verse 33

English Translation

What to speak of the holy Brahmanas as also of devout kind-sages! Having come to this ephemeral and miserable world, do you worship Me.

Detailed Commentary

**9.33** **Explanation** — Regarding the verse: 'What then of the virtuous Brahmanas, devoted Rajarshis, and others?' When miscreants indulging in sin in the present life, and beings born in lower wombs due to the sins of previous lives, as well as women, Vaishyas, and Shudras attain the Supreme Goal by taking refuge in Me, then there is no doubt that Brahmanas and Kshatriyas, whose conduct in previous lives was excellent and who are born in noble families in this life, will also attain the Supreme Goal if they take refuge in Me. This verse particularly refers to virtuous Brahmanas and Kshatriyas of pure conduct. By 'Worship Me' (Mām Bhajasva), the Lord means that by devotion to Him, one will achieve immense benefit. The coming and going of worldly objects will continue according to His ordinance; one should not attach importance to them. One should focus solely on attaining Him. The profound point is that the vision of the Lord and His devotees rests upon the true nature (Svarūpa) of beings. The Svarūpa is a part of the Lord; therefore, it is pure and imperishable. However, by associating with Prakriti (material nature), it becomes entangled in good and bad actions. The Lord maintains equal vision towards all. When even miscreants and those of sinful birth take refuge in the Lord, they quickly become purified, for they are His very essence. The Lord has mentioned seven categories of eligible devotees: miscreants, those of sinful birth, women, Vaishyas, Shudras, Brahmanas, and Kshatriyas. In Bhakti, varna (social class), conduct, or personality holds no importance; it arises solely from one's connection with the Lord and devotion to Him. The devotion to the Lord is connected with the inner self of human beings, which is a part of the Lord. Therefore, all human beings can establish a connection with the Lord and achieve their liberation by taking refuge in Him. No one should despair in moving towards the Lord. **Context** — In the previous verses, the importance of devotion to the Lord was explained. Now, we shall discuss its true nature.