Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9 — Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga (The Yoga of Royal Knowledge and the Royal Secret)

Chapter 9 · Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga (The Yoga of Royal Knowledge and the Royal Secret) · 34 verses

What happens in Chapter 9

Krishna calls this teaching the king of knowledge and the king of secrets — easy to practise and imperishable. The whole universe is pervaded by him, yet he is not contained in it, as the wind moves everywhere within space. He describes himself as the ritual, the offering, the mantra and the fire; the father, mother and support of the world.

The heart of the chapter is the grace of devotion. To those who worship him with single-minded love he brings what they lack and protects what they have. He needs no grand ritual — a leaf, a flower, a fruit or a little water offered with love is enough. Even a person who has done wrong, if they turn to him with devotion, should be considered righteous, and no devotee of his ever perishes.

Main themes

• God pervades yet transcends the world
• Yoga-kshema — the Lord's care for devotees
• The simplest offering made with love
• Devotion open to all

Key verses

"Yogakshemam vahamyaham" is the motto of the Life Insurance Corporation of India.

For daily life

Puja does not need to be elaborate. A flower or a glass of water offered with a sincere heart is, in Krishna's own words, enough.

Sanskrit text: traditional (Gita Press numbering). English translation and explanation: MyPujaWorld.