Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 12

The Yoga of Devotion

12.1Arjuna asks which is better at yoga, meaning the spiritual path: people who lovingly worship Krishna in a personal form, or people who worship the formless, unchanging, unseen reality.Arjuna
12.2Krishna says the best in yoga are those who keep their minds on him and always worship him with deep faith.Krishna
12.3Krishna begins describing people who worship the formless reality. It cannot be destroyed, described or imagined. It is everywhere, never changes and lasts forever.Krishna
12.4Krishna says these people, who control their senses, treat everyone equally and are happy when all beings do well, also reach him.Krishna
12.5Krishna says that the path of the formless is harder. It is difficult for people living in a body to set their hearts on something that has no form.Krishna
12.6Krishna speaks of those who offer all their actions to him, focus on him, and worship him in meditation with their whole heart. The next verse finishes the thought.Krishna
12.7Krishna says he quickly rescues such people from the endless cycle of death and rebirth, because their minds are fixed on him. Partha is a name for Arjuna.Krishna
12.8Krishna tells Arjuna to put his mind and his understanding fully on him. Then he will surely live in Krishna afterward.Krishna
12.9Krishna says that if Arjuna cannot keep his mind steady on him, he should reach him through regular practice. Dhananjaya is a name for Arjuna.Krishna
12.10Krishna says that if even regular practice is too hard, Arjuna should focus on serving him and do his work for Krishna's sake. That way he will still reach perfection.Krishna
12.11Krishna says that if even that is too hard, Arjuna should trust in Krishna, control himself, and let go of wanting the results of his actions.Krishna
12.12Krishna ranks spiritual efforts. Understanding is better than practice done without it, and meditation is better than understanding. Better still is letting go of the results of what you do, and peace comes right after that letting go.Krishna
12.13Krishna begins to describe the kind of person he loves. This person holds no grudge against anyone and is friendly and kind. They are not clingy or self-centered, they stay steady in good times and bad, and they forgive.Krishna
12.14Krishna goes on: this person is always content, at peace, self-disciplined and determined. Their mind and understanding are given to God. Such a devotee, a person who loves God, is dear to Krishna.Krishna
12.15Krishna says he loves the person who does not upset others and is not upset by others. This person is free from the restless swings of excitement, anger and fear.Krishna
12.16Krishna says he loves the devotee who does not crave things. This person is pure in heart and skillful, and stays calm and untroubled. They do not act out of selfish ambition.Krishna
12.17Krishna says he loves the devoted person who is not pulled around by strong likes and dislikes, grief or longing. This person has let go of chasing good results and fearing bad ones.Krishna
12.18Krishna continues describing the devotee he loves. This person treats enemies and friends the same way. They stay the same whether people honor them or shame them, and whether life brings cold or heat, pleasure or pain. They do not cling to anything.Krishna
12.19Krishna ends the description: this person takes praise and criticism the same way. They speak little and are happy with whatever comes. They are not tied to one home, they have a steady mind and they are full of devotion. Such a person is dear to Krishna.Krishna
12.20Krishna says that people who live by these teachings with faith, making him their highest goal, are especially dear to him.Krishna