Chapter 9 Verse 31
Rāja Vidyā Yog
क्षिप्रं भवति धर्मात्मा शश्वच्छान्तिं निगच्छति। कौन्तेय प्रतिजानीहि न मे भक्तः प्रणश्यति।।9.31।।
kṣhipraṁ bhavati dharmātmā śhaśhvach-chhāntiṁ nigachchhati kaunteya pratijānīhi na me bhaktaḥ praṇaśhyati
Word Meanings
| kṣhipram | quickly |
| bhavati | become |
| dharma-ātmā | virtuous |
| śhaśhvat-śhāntim | lasting peace |
| nigachchhati | attain |
| kaunteya | Arjun, the son of Kunti |
| pratijānīhi | declare |
| na | never |
| me | my |
| bhaktaḥ | devotee |
| praṇaśhyati | perishes |
Translation
Soon he becomes righteous and attains eternal peace; O Arjuna, proclaim thou for certain that My devotee never perishes.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna promises that a sincere devotee is quickly changed from confusion to right living. Devotion purifies the heart, so a person naturally follows what is good and steady.
This change brings lasting peace—calm that does not depend on things going your way. “My devotee never perishes” means that a true seeker is safe at the deepest level: they are not ruined by fear, guilt, or the cycle of restless becoming.
The verse assures that surrender and steady practice lead to real inner security. It is a spiritual guarantee: when you turn toward the divine with trust, you gain moral strength and inner freedom.
Life Application
- Start simple: spend a few minutes each day in quiet prayer or mindful breathing with the intention to grow kinder and more honest.
- Let trust reduce anxiety: when facing setbacks, remind yourself that steady, sincere effort in the right direction matters more than immediate results.
- Serve others regularly; small acts of help build the habit of right living and deepen your sense of peace.
Reflection Question
What small, sincere practice can you commit to today that will help you grow kinder and more peaceful?