Chapter 9 Verse 33
Rāja Vidyā Yog
किं पुनर्ब्राह्मणाः पुण्या भक्ता राजर्षयस्तथा। अनित्यमसुखं लोकमिमं प्राप्य भजस्व माम्।।9.33।।
kiṁ punar brāhmaṇāḥ puṇyā bhaktā rājarṣhayas tathā anityam asukhaṁ lokam imaṁ prāpya bhajasva mām
Word Meanings
| kim | what |
| punaḥ | then |
| brāhmaṇāḥ | sages |
| puṇyāḥ | meritorius |
| bhaktāḥ | devotees |
| rāja-ṛiṣhayaḥ | saintly kings |
| tathā | and |
| anityam | transient |
| asukham | joyless |
| lokam | world |
| imam | this |
| prāpya | having achieved |
| bhajasva | engage in devotion |
| mām | unto me |
Translation
How much more easily, then, do Brahmins and devoted royal saints attain the goal? Having come to this impermanent and unhappy world, do thou worship Me.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse reminds us that life in the world is temporary and often unsatisfying. Even those with high status or many virtues face the same impermanence and must look for a lasting refuge.
Krishna says devotion is the sure way to that refuge. If saintly people and devoted rulers can reach the goal through turning to the divine, anyone can do the same by sincere worship and surrender.
The tone is urgent but hopeful: recognizing the fragility of worldly life should push us toward steady spiritual practice rather than relying only on social rank or good deeds.
Life Application
- Start a short daily practice (prayer, meditation, or reading) to center yourself beyond daily ups and downs.
- When making choices, ask whether they bring lasting peace or only temporary comfort; favor what builds inner steadiness.
- Treat spiritual practice as accessible to everyone, not dependent on status; practice humility and simple devotion.
Reflection Question
When life feels unstable, where do I turn for lasting comfort—things or the deeper inner refuge?