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Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 9
The Most Confidential Knowledge


20 Those who study the Vedas, and drink the soma juice seeking the heavenly planets, worship Me indirectly. They take birth on the planet of Indra, where they enjoy godly delights. 21 When they have thus enjoyed heavenly sense pleasure, they return to this mortal planet again. Thus, through the Vedic principles, they achieve only flickering happiness.

22 But those who worship Me with devotion, meditating on My transcendéntal form, to thém I carry what they lack, and preserve what they have.

23 Whatever a man may sacrifice to other gods, O son of Kunti, is really meant for Me alone, but it is offered without true understanding. 24 I am the only enjoyer and the only object of sacrifice. Those who do not recognize My true transcendental nature fall down.

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

26 If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit a water, I will accept it. 27 O son of Kunti, ALL that you do, áll that you eat, áll that you offer and give away, as well as áll austerities that you may perform, should be done as an offering unto Me.

28 In this way, you will be freed from all reactions to good and evil deeds. And by this principle of renunciation you will be liberated and come to Me.

29 I envy no one, nor am I partial to anyone. I am equal to all. But whoever renders service unto Me in devotion is a friend, is in Me, and I am also a friend to him.

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.

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

32 O son of Pritha, those who take shelter in Me, though they be of lower birth - women, vaishyas [merchants], as well as shudras [workers] - can approach the supreme destination. 33 How much greater then are the brahmanas, the righteous, the devotees, and saintly kings, who in this temporary miserable world engage in loving service unto Me.

34 Engage your mind ALWAYS in thinking of Me, offer obeisances and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me.