Chapter 9 Verse 13
Rāja Vidyā Yog
महात्मानस्तु मां पार्थ दैवीं प्रकृतिमाश्रिताः। भजन्त्यनन्यमनसो ज्ञात्वा भूतादिमव्ययम्।।9.13।।
mahātmānas tu māṁ pārtha daivīṁ prakṛitim āśhritāḥ bhajantyananya-manaso jñātvā bhūtādim avyayam
Word Meanings
| mahā-ātmānaḥ | the great souls |
| tu | but |
| mām | me |
| pārtha | Arjun, the son of Pritha |
| daivīm prakṛitim | divine energy |
| āśhritāḥ | take shelter of |
| bhajanti | engage in devotion |
| ananya-manasaḥ | with mind fixed exclusively |
| jñātvā | knowing |
| bhūta | all creation |
| ādim | the origin |
| avyayam | imperishable |
Translation
But the great souls, O Arjuna, partaking of My divine nature, worship Me with a single-minded devotion, knowing Me as the imperishable source of all beings.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Great souls take refuge in the divine side of reality. They fix their minds on that higher truth and worship with steady, single-pointed love.
To them, the divine is the unchanging source behind all living things. Knowing this brings clarity: people and events are surface expressions of a deeper, imperishable reality.
This knowledge changes how they live. It gives calm, reduces fear and selfishness, and leads to steady action that serves others rather than ego.
Life Application
- Start each day with a short, focused practice (prayer, meditation, or a clear intention) to remind yourself of a steady, higher purpose.
- Treat others as expressions of the same life—practice simple kindness and reduce quick judgments.
- When acting, hold the outcome lightly; do your duty with focus and offer results to something larger than your ego.
Reflection Question
Do I act from a steady inner center that recognizes the same life in myself and others?