Chapter 14 Verse 26
Guṇa Traya Vibhāg Yog
मां च योऽव्यभिचारेण भक्ितयोगेन सेवते।स गुणान्समतीत्यैतान् ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते।।14.26।।
māṁ cha yo ’vyabhichāreṇa bhakti-yogena sevate sa guṇān samatītyaitān brahma-bhūyāya kalpate
Word Meanings
| mām | me |
| cha | only |
| yaḥ | who |
| avyabhichāreṇa | unalloyed |
| bhakti-yogena | through devotion |
| sevate | serve |
| saḥ | they |
| guṇān | the three modes of material nature |
| samatītya | rise above |
| etān | these |
| brahma-bhūyāya | level of Brahman |
| kalpate | comes to |
Translation
And he who serves Me with unwavering devotion, he, crossing beyond the dualities, is fit for becoming Brahman.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that a person who serves God with steady, unwavering devotion rises above the three modes of nature (sattva, rajas, tamas) and the usual pairs of opposites. "Unwavering devotion" means a simple, consistent love and surrender, not mixed with selfish motives or fickleness.
The three gunas are the changing qualities that shape our thoughts and actions. By sincere devotion we stop being ruled by these changing forces and reach the calm, boundless state called Brahman—inner freedom and unity with the Divine. The emphasis is on inner change: steady loving service transforms the heart and frees you from bondage.
Life Application
- Pick one simple daily practice (short prayer, meditation, or dedicating work) and do it consistently as an offering, without expecting results.
- Treat service to others as service to the Divine—help without counting benefits or praise.
- When you face success or failure, try to keep the same steady attitude; remember your actions as an expression of devotion, not for gain.
Reflection Question
What small, steady act of devotion can you commit to today without expecting anything in return?