Chapter 7 Verse 17
Jñāna Vijñāna Yog
तेषां ज्ञानी नित्ययुक्त एकभक्ितर्विशिष्यते। प्रियो हि ज्ञानिनोऽत्यर्थमहं स च मम प्रियः।।7.17।।
teṣhāṁ jñānī nitya-yukta eka-bhaktir viśhiṣhyate priyo hi jñānino ’tyartham ahaṁ sa cha mama priyaḥ
Word Meanings
| teṣhām | amongst these |
| jñānī | those who are situated in knowledge |
| nitya-yuktaḥ | ever steadfast |
| eka | exclusively |
| bhaktiḥ | devotion |
| viśhiṣhyate | highest |
| priyaḥ | very dear |
| hi | certainly |
| jñāninaḥ | to the person in knowledge |
| atyartham | highly |
| aham | I |
| saḥ | he |
| cha | and |
| mama | to me |
| priyaḥ | dear |
Translation
Of them, the wise who are ever steadfast and devoted to the One, excel; for I am exceedingly dear to the wise, and they are dear to Me.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that among those who truly know, the highest are the ones who stay steady and give their whole heart to the One. Knowledge alone is not enough; it becomes full when joined with constant, single-minded devotion.
Such steady devotion is not a passing feeling but a settled way of life. It means keeping your aim on what is true and acting from that inner center, so your relationship with the Divine becomes close and mutual.
The verse also teaches a simple law: when you remain devoted and steady, the Divine becomes especially dear to you and you become dear to the Divine. That mutual closeness brings strength, guidance, and calm in everyday life.
Life Application
- Keep a short daily practice (prayer, meditation, or reading) and do it regularly rather than in long bursts.
- Make one clear intention or value (truth, kindness, service) the guide for your choices so your actions stay focused.
- Turn learning into steady practice: apply spiritual insights in small daily acts rather than only thinking about them.
Reflection Question
Where does your steady loyalty lie in your daily life?