Chapter 12 Verse 20
Bhakti Yog
ये तु धर्म्यामृतमिदं यथोक्तं पर्युपासते।श्रद्दधाना मत्परमा भक्तास्तेऽतीव मे प्रियाः।।12.20।।
ye tu dharmyāmṛitam idaṁ yathoktaṁ paryupāsate śhraddadhānā mat-paramā bhaktās te ’tīva me priyāḥ
Word Meanings
| ye | who |
| tu | indeed |
| dharma | of wisdom |
| amṛitam | nectar |
| idam | this |
| yathā | as |
| uktam | declared |
| paryupāsate | exclusive devotion |
| śhraddadhānāḥ | with faith |
| mat-paramāḥ | intent on me as the supreme goal |
| bhaktāḥ | devotees |
| te | they |
| atīva | exceedingly |
| me | to me |
| priyāḥ | dear |
Translation
They who follow this immortal Dharma, endowed with faith and regarding Me as their supreme goal, are exceedingly dear to Me.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse honors people who follow the timeless teaching of spiritual life with steady faith. "Immortal dharma" means the deeper truth and duty that lead to lasting inner peace, not just temporary rules.
When someone makes the Divine their highest goal and practices with trust, their devotion becomes steady and sincere. That steady, faith-filled devotion is what connects a person to God; it matters more than showy actions.
God values a humble, faithful heart above all. The verse teaches that inner orientation—seeing the Divine as the center of life—creates closeness with the sacred.
Life Application
- Keep a simple daily habit (prayer, meditation, reading) and do it with faith rather than perfectionism.
- Let your highest values guide small choices: honesty, kindness, and service as expressions of devotion.
- When worried, recall your deepest aim and act from trust instead of fear.
Reflection Question
Which small habit today can I do with faith to make the Divine my main goal?