9-1

The Supreme Lord said: My dear Arjuna, because you are not envious, I will reveal to you this most confidential knowledge and its realization, knowing which you will be freed from the sufferings of the material world.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna begins to teach Arjuna the most secret spiritual doctrine, which is the highest form of spiritual knowledge and self-realization. Krishna says that he reveals this to Arjuna because Arjuna is not envious, which indicates Arjuna's pure heart and willingness to accept this knowledge. This knowledge and its realization will allow Arjuna to be freed from the sufferings associated with material existence, and Arjuna now wants to learn the most secret knowledge and its realization in order to be freed from the sufferings of the material world.

9-2

This knowledge is the king of knowledge, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct experience of the self, it is perfect knowledge. It is eternal, and its practice is joyful.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna provides a detailed description of the supreme spiritual knowledge that he is revealing to Arjuna. This knowledge is special and stands out with several unique characteristics.

9-3

Those who do not engage in this devotional service with faith, O conqueror of enemies, cannot attain Me. Therefore, they return to the path of birth and death in this material world.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna indicates that people who do not have faith in His teachings are destined to return to the cycle of birth and death. This emphasizes the importance of faith and devotion on the path to spiritual liberation. Krishna addresses Arjuna as the conqueror of enemies, indicating that even spiritual enemies – disbelief and doubt – must be overcome to attain Divine consciousness.

9-4

All this universe is pervaded by Me, in My unmanifest form. All beings are in Me, but I am not in them.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains His Divine presence throughout the universe and His relationship with beings. Although the universe is pervaded by Divine energy, Krishna is not limited or bound by individual beings. He transcends the material world and remains unmanifest, yet all beings exist in Him, but He is not in them.

9-5

And yet everything that is created does not abide in Me. Behold My mystic opulence! Although I am the maintainer of all living entities and although I am everywhere, still My Self is not a part of this cosmic manifestation, for I am the very source of creation.

Explanation: This verse teaches that God is omnipresent but free from material attachments. By understanding this Divine paradox, one can break free from worldly attachments and strive for spiritual unity with the Divine. It calls for understanding God's presence everywhere and at the same time realizing that He is beyond all material limitations, for He sustains all living beings and is everywhere, but at the same time is not a part of this cosmic manifestation, for He is the source of creation.

9-6

Understand that as the mighty wind, blowing everywhere, rests always in the sky, all created beings rest in Me.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna uses an example to help Arjuna understand how all living beings exist in Him, much like the wind exists in space and moves freely within it. It indicates Krishna's omnipresent nature and His ability to sustain the universe while remaining independent of it, and this example helps to understand Krishna's omnipresent nature and His ability to sustain the universe while remaining independent of it.

9-7

O son of Kuntī, at the end of the millennium all material manifestations enter into My nature, and again, at the beginning of another millennium, by My potency I emanate them again.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes the cosmic cycle in which the entire material world and all living beings exist and disappear. He explains that at the end of the cosmic cycle (the end of a long period of time), all beings return to His nature, and at the beginning of a new cosmic cycle, He manifests them again.

9-8

The whole cosmic order is under My control. By My will it is manifested again and again, and by My will, at the end, it is annihilated.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna continues to explain how He repeatedly creates the universe and all living beings, which are subject to material nature. This process is cyclical, and beings are under the power of nature.

9-9

O conqueror of riches, all these activities do not bind Me. I am ever detached, as if neutral.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that although He is the creator and maintainer of the universe, He remains unattached and free from these actions. He is beyond all material actions and their consequences, maintaining His divine independence and peace. Krishna addresses Arjuna as Dhananjaya ("conqueror of wealth"), reminding him that true wealth is spiritual liberation, not material attachment.

9-10

This material nature, which is one of My energies, is working under My direction, O son of Kuntī, producing all moving and unmoving beings. By its laws this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again.

Explanation: This verse teaches that the cyclical development of the universe takes place under God's direction. Everything that happens is related to Divine supervision. It is this Divine supervision that causes the universe to constantly change and evolve. Man must realize that the action of material nature is part of the Divine plan, and people are part of this plan. Understanding this, one can accept the Divine order and strive for unity with the Divine, that material nature is one of God's energies and works under His direction. Krishna addresses Arjuna as the son of Kunti to point out Arjuna's connection to a heritage of wisdom and nobility. This address also encourages Arjuna to understand Krishna's divine role in governing the universe.

9-11

Fools deride Me when I descend in the human form. They do not know My transcendental nature as the Supreme Lord of all that be.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna points out that people who lack understanding of His Divine nature do not recognize Him as God when He appears in the material world in human form. These people fail to see His supreme essence and Divine transcendental nature.

9-12

Those who are thus deluded are attracted by demonic and atheistic views. In that deluded condition, their hopes for liberation, their fruitive activities, and their culture of knowledge are all defeated.

Explanation: This verse teaches that people who live driven by material desires cannot achieve spiritual perfection. To avoid illusion, one must develop an understanding of the Divine and avoid the demonic nature based on egoism and materialism. Those who follow material illusion and do not understand Divine truth are trapped in their vain actions and desires, and the hopes of such people for liberation, their fruitive activities, and their acquired knowledge will be defeated. Such people are under the influence of demonic nature and cannot achieve spiritual understanding.

9-13

O Pārtha, those who are not deluded, the great souls, are under the protection of the divine nature. They are fully engaged in devotional service because they know Me as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, original and inexhaustible.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains how great souls act – those who have realized the Divine nature and turned to God with complete devotion and a desire to serve Him. These people understand that Krishna is the creator of all beings and the unchanging Lord.

9-14

Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with great determination, bowing down before Me, these great souls constantly worship Me with devotion.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes the actions and attitude of those who are fully dedicated to Divine service, and these great souls constantly honor God with love and devotion. These people are constantly dedicated to the glory and worship of God and do so with unwavering determination and deep faith.

9-15

Others, who engage in sacrifice by developing knowledge, worship the Supreme Lord as the one without a second, as manifested in diversity, and as the cosmic form.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes different approaches to how people worship the Divine, and these approaches reflect different levels of understanding and stages of spiritual development. These approaches are diverse, but they all lead to the same Divine source. Some worship God as one being, others see diversity, while still others understand God as the all-encompassing face of the Universe. • Sacrifice with knowledge – The sacrifice of knowledge means that people sacrifice their material attachments and seek knowledge about the Divine. Those who practice this path dedicate themselves to understanding God through wisdom and comprehension. • Others worship Me – Krishna indicates that people worship Him in various ways. Regardless of the form of worship they choose, it all leads to Him. • As the One – Some people understand the Divine as a unified force that is the foundation of all existence. They perceive God as one indivisible being. • As the Diverse – Others perceive the diversity of the Divine. They see God as various forms and aspects that manifest in different guises, deities, or principles. • As the face of the Universe – Some worship God as the all-encompassing force that is present throughout the Universe. They see God in the essence of every creation and every being. This verse shows that Krishna accepts all forms of worship, whether based on the principle of unity, diversity, or the cosmic view. It emphasizes Krishna's all-encompassing nature and ability to encompass different faiths and spiritual approaches.

9-16

But the ritual am I, the sacrifice am I, the offering to the ancestors am I, the healing herb am I, the transcendental chant am I. I am also the butter, and I am the fire, and I am the oblation.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna emphasizes his omnipresence and unity with all sacrifices and rituals that are performed. He shows that He is the essence of every sacrifice and spiritual action and present in every aspect of it, that He is all ritual, sacrifice, offering, and so on.

9-17

I am the father of this Universe, the mother, the maintainer, and the grandsire. I am the object of knowledge, the purifier, and the syllable Om. I am also the Rig-Veda, the Sama-Veda, and the Yajur-Veda.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna emphasizes his omnipresence and all-encompassing nature. He explains that He is the foundation and basic principle of all creation, which lies behind all knowledge, blessings, and ritual practices.

9-18

I am the goal, the sustainer, the lord, the witness, the abode, the refuge, and the most dear friend. I am creation and annihilation, the basis of everything, the place of rest, and the eternal seed.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna points to his multifaceted and omnipresent nature, describing how He is the source, maintainer, witness, and destination of all things and existence. He demonstrates his complete supremacy and all-encompassing presence.

9-19

O Arjuna, I give heat, I withhold and send forth rain. I am immortality, and I am death personified. Both being and non-being are in Me.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains how He is responsible for all cycles of nature and existence, and He is both being and non-being, and everything is in Him. He is present in both the creation and destruction process, and His nature encompasses everything – from the physical world to immortality and death.

9-20

Those who study the Vedas and drink the divine beverage, striving for the planets where the celestial beings reside, worship Me indirectly. Purified from sinful reactions, they take birth on the pious planet where they enjoy divine pleasures.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that people who have mastered the three Vedas and perform rituals and sacrifices, seeking the heavenly kingdom, are rewarded in heaven and enjoy divine pleasures, and they worship God indirectly. However, these people seek only temporary benefits in the heavenly kingdom, which is a temporal pleasure, not eternal liberation.

9-21

Thus, having enjoyed the vast pleasures of the senses of heaven and exhausted the fruits of their pious activities, they return to this planet of mortals. Those who seek sense gratification by following the principles of the three Vedas attain only repeated birth and death.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that those who follow Vedic rituals and perform sacrifices to reach the heavenly world enjoy heavenly pleasures, but these pleasures are transient. When their merits are exhausted, they return to the mortal world and participate in the cycle of birth and death again.

9-22

But to those who always worship Me with undivided devotion, meditating on My transcendental form – to them I carry what they lack and preserve what they have.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna emphasizes his promise to those who serve Him with an undivided mind and complete devotion, that He takes care of their needs and provides both spiritual and material well-being. He indicates that he takes care of their needs and ensures both spiritual and material prosperity.

9-23

Those who with faith worship other gods, O son of Kunti, are actually worshipping Me, but they are doing it wrongly.

Explanation: This verse teaches that although people may worship various deities with faith, the most complete path is direct worship of the Divine source – Krishna, and such worship is not correct because it is not directed at the Supreme Lord. Even though all Gods are part of Krishna's manifestations, direct devotion to Him leads to complete blessings and spiritual liberation. However, their worship is not complete because it is not done in the correct way, by directly addressing Krishna as the supreme God.

9-24

I am the enjoyer and master of all sacrifices, but those who do not know Me in truth fall down.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that He is the ultimate recipient and enjoyer of all sacrifices and rituals, but people do not realize this. As a result, they deviate from the true spiritual path because they do not understand that all their actions are directed towards the Divine source – Krishna.

9-25

Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods; those who worship the ancestors go to the ancestors; those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings; and those who worship Me will live with Me.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that a person attains the goal they strive for and worship, that those who worship various beings reach the level of these beings, but those who worship Krishna attain His eternal abode. Different objects of worship lead to different destinations, and depending on what a person worships, they reach the corresponding place or being.

9-26

If one offers Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept this offering from that person of pure heart.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that even the simplest offering, if made with devotion and a pure heart, is accepted with joy. This idea emphasizes that the Divine does not require expensive or complex sacrifices, but rather genuine devotion and love. This idea encourages the practice of selfless service and devotion to God, rather than focusing on material values, indicating that what is important to God is not the material value of the gift, but the love and devotion with which it is given.

9-27

Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away in charity, and whatever austerities you perform – do that as an offering to Me, O son of Kuntī.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna indicates that all human actions – whether mundane or sacred – should be performed for the glory of God. This means that the entire life of a person can become a spiritual practice if they do it with the intention of dedicating their actions to the Divine.

9-28

In this way you will be freed from the bondage of action and its good and bad results. With your mind fixed on this principle of renunciation, you will be liberated and come to Me.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna teaches how a person can become free from the bonds of action that tie them to both favorable and unfavorable consequences of actions. Liberation occurs through the renunciation of selfish desires and spiritual discipline (unity with the Divine). When a person's mind becomes united with God, they attain spiritual freedom and Divine consciousness.

9-29

I am equally disposed to all beings; I have neither any favorite nor anyone I dislike. But those who worship Me with devotion are in Me, and I am in them.

Explanation: This verse teaches that although God is equal to all, true devotion and worship create a special connection with the Divine, that those who worship God with devotion are in Him, and He is in them. Those who worship with their heart can feel God's presence in their lives and experience unity with Him. Devotion is the key to spiritual unity with Krishna.

9-30

Even if one commits the most abominable actions, if he is engaged in devotional service, he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated in his determination.

Explanation: This verse teaches that no past can hinder a person's spiritual development if they are committed to following God with complete devotion, that even the greatest sinner can become holy if they sincerely surrender to God. A person can be freed from their mistakes and become a righteous person if their heart is truly devoted to God. Devotion and purity of heart are the key to spiritual liberation.

9-31

He quickly becomes righteous and attains lasting peace. O son of Kuntī, declare it boldly that My devotee never perishes.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna emphasizes that even those who have made mistakes or acted badly in the past, if they devote themselves to God with complete devotion, quickly become righteous and attain eternal peace. The worshiper, or devotee, who returns to the Divine path is freed from their mistakes and attains Divine blessing. Krishna affirms that His worshiper never perishes or is destroyed, because they are protected and guided.

9-32

O son of Pārtha, those who take shelter in Me, though they be of lower birth – women, merchants, workers, or even those born into sinful families – can attain the supreme destination.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that Divine grace is available to everyone, regardless of their birth or social status, that even those traditionally considered less privileged groups in society can attain the highest spiritual goal, provided they take refuge in Krishna. Caste, gender, or social role do not limit the possibility of attaining the spiritual goal if a person turns to Krishna with devotion. Krishna addresses Arjuna as Pārtha to emphasize that a devotee of God can come from any stratum of society and they are all equal on the spiritual path.

9-33

How much more so then the righteous brahmins, the devotees and the saintly kings! Therefore, being situated in this temporary, miserable world, engage in My loving service.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna emphasizes that even priests and royal sages (saintly kings), who are highly regarded in society and spiritually advanced, are called upon to devote themselves to the worship of God, that if such highly placed persons take refuge in God, then how much more should ordinary people living in this temporary and suffering-filled world. If such people, who are considered holy and wise, worship God, then everyone else can and should do so as well, especially given the temporary and suffering nature of the world.

9-34

Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me, and bow down before Me. Completely absorbed in Me, you will surely come to Me.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains how one can reach Him and become one with the Divine. This verse reveals four important practices that allow a person to come closer to God and gain spiritual liberation. • Always think of Me – Krishna calls for a person to always be spiritually focused on Him. This means constant contemplation and focusing thoughts on the Divine. • Become My devotee – A person must be a worshiper of Krishna – with true love and devotion. A devotee is one who lives to serve God and be in unity with Him. • Worship Me – Krishna encourages people to worship Him, which means performing rituals, spiritual practices, and offerings to God with love and respect. This is the spiritual discipline of devotion – a path that leads to spiritual growth through faithful service. • Bow down before Me – Krishna urges Arjuna to bow down before Him, which symbolizes humility and complete reliance on God. Bowing down before God is a sign that a person renounces their ego and offers themselves completely to God. This spiritual path, based on love and surrender, guarantees that a person will come to God, that by fully devoting oneself to Krishna, one will surely come to Him. • Thus you will come to Me – By performing these four practices, a person will reach God and unite with Him. This is the path to Divine consciousness and liberation from material attachments. • For I am your ultimate goal – Krishna emphasizes that if a person's ultimate goal is God, he will surely achieve Divine consciousness.