Arjun starts by asking if it is better to bear this love for Krishna or love for an intangible and un-manifested form of God. Krishna answers that though both the paths lead to the same understanding, it is better to devote their love to Krishna through his manifestation in the Bhagvad Geeta. When you worship Krishna in his concrete form, it gives you more focus. Meditating about Krishna with complete submission will eventually lead to him. Even if such meditation isn’t possible, if we devote our lives completely to him, we shall also reach Krishna. Krishna teaches Arjun the art of perfecting yoga. If a person meditates and concentrates solely on Krishna, he will be loved the most by Krishna. Krishna also teaches Arjun the art of single-minded concentration. He loves that person who is calm and serene even through adversities. Thus, a person who is unmoved by both pain and pleasure is loved the most by Krishna.

 

 

Favourite Shlok

सन्तुष्ट: सततं योगी यतात्मा दृढनिश्चय: |

मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्यो मद्भक्त: स मे प्रिय: ||Shlok- 14

Those who are free from malice against all and who are friendly and compassionate are dear to Krishna. They are free from all forms of attachment and ego. They are unscathed by happiness and sadness and are ever so forgiving. They are contented and united with Krishna through devotion, self-control, conviction and dedication through both: the mind and intellect.

 

Analysis

This chapter teaches us the art of bhakti yoga. Krishna teaches us the art of devotional love and tells that is the easier and more focussed path. Bhakti yoga is very closely related to karma yoga or the yoga of action. All routes lead to the same end: the freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth. Krishna teaches Arjun that it is easier to worship Krishna as Arjun has seen him than worship an abstract form of God as it becomes harder to believe. Worshipping Krishna gives a more direct and reliable channel of worship and devotion. A person who has mastered the art of yoga will love and respect all, equally and will remain detached to both, the joys and sorrows of life.

About Abhinav Khare: 

Abhinav Khare is the CEO of AsiaNetNews Network and also the host of a daily show named Deep Dive with AK. He has a lifetime collection of books and gadgets and has already pinged more than hundred cities around the globe. 

He is a tech entrepreneur, who is passionate about policy, technology, economy and philosophy from ancient India. He earned an MS Engineering from the ETH Zurich and an MBA Finance from the London Business School.