Chapter 9 Verse 25
Rāja Vidyā Yog
यान्ति देवव्रता देवान् पितृ़न्यान्ति पितृव्रताः। भूतानि यान्ति भूतेज्या यान्ति मद्याजिनोऽपि माम्।।9.25।।
yānti deva-vratā devān pitṝīn yānti pitṛi-vratāḥ bhūtāni yānti bhūtejyā yānti mad-yājino ’pi mām
Word Meanings
| yānti | go |
| deva-vratāḥ | worshipers of celestial gods |
| devān | amongst the celestial gods |
| pitṝīn | to the ancestors |
| yānti | go |
| pitṛi-vratā | worshippers of ancestors |
| bhūtāni | to the ghosts |
| yānti | go |
| bhūta-ijyāḥ | worshippers of ghosts |
| yānti | go |
| mat | my |
| yājinaḥ | devotees |
| api | and |
| mām | to me |
Translation
The worshippers of the gods go to them; the ancestor-worshippers go to the manes; the worshippers of the deities who preside over the elements go to them; but My devotees come to Me.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that people get what they truly seek. Those who worship gods go to the gods, those who honour ancestors reach the ancestors, and those who worship elemental spirits go to them.
But when someone wholly loves and surrenders to the Supreme, their aim is not a temporary realm. True devotion brings the seeker to the source itself. The passage points out that the goal depends on the object and depth of your devotion.
In short, outer rituals bring corresponding results, while inner, single-pointed devotion leads to union with the Divine.
Life Application
- Make devotion personal: spend a few minutes daily in honest prayer, meditation, or remembrance of the Divine rather than treating rituals as mere routine.
- Use rituals as support, not as the end: let ceremonies deepen your love and surrender instead of becoming a checklist for rewards.
- Choose a lasting aim: act with a sense of connection to the Divine, not only for short-term benefits or recognition.
Reflection Question
Do I seek temporary gains from my practices, or do I aim to connect with the Divine itself?