Bhagavad Gita 6.31 — The Yogi Who Worships the Lord Present in All Beings
सर्वभूतस्थितं यो मां भजत्येकत्वमास्थितः।
सर्वथा वर्तमानोऽपि स योगी मयि वर्तते॥ ६.३१॥
The yogi who worships Me as present in all beings, established in the vision of oneness, truly lives in Me. Whatever circumstances such a yogi may outwardly be engaged in, inwardly he always remains united with Me.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sarvabhūtasthitam | present in all beings |
| yaḥ | who |
| mām | Me |
| bhajati | worships |
| ekatvam | with the vision of oneness |
| āsthitaḥ | being established in |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sarvathā | in every way |
| vartamānaḥ | though living and acting |
| api | even |
| saḥ | that |
| yogī | yogī |
| mayi | in Me |
| vartate | abides |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sarvabhūtasthitam | present in all beings | sarvathā | in every way |
| yaḥ | who | vartamānaḥ | though living and acting |
| mām | Me | api | even |
| bhajati | worships | saḥ | that |
| ekatvam | with the vision of oneness | yogī | yogī |
| āsthitaḥ | being established in | mayi | in Me |
| vartate | abides | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna explains that the yogi who worships Him while seeing His presence in every living being remains united with Him at all times, regardless of outward activities.
Essence
Lord Krishna's Profound Teaching on Universal Devotion
Building upon the previous verse, Lord Krishna explains how the realization of His presence in all beings transforms both devotion and daily life.
Sarva-bhūta-sthitaṁ yo māṁ (one who sees Me dwelling in all beings): Such a yogi no longer sees God as confined to temples, sacred places, or rituals alone. Instead, the Divine is recognized as residing in the heart of every living being.
Bhajaty ekatvam āsthitaḥ (worships Me established in oneness): This worship is rooted in the realization of spiritual unity. The devotee serves, respects, and loves all beings because they recognize them as manifestations of the same Supreme Lord.
Sarvathā vartamāno'pi (whatever the circumstances of life): Whether engaged in work, family responsibilities, or social life, such a yogi remains spiritually connected. External duties no longer interrupt the awareness of God.
Sa yogī mayi vartate (that yogi always lives in Me): Because the yogi's consciousness is constantly absorbed in the Divine, every action becomes an expression of devotion. Such a person remains united with Lord Krishna in every situation.
Lord Krishna teaches that true devotion is not limited by place or activity. Once the vision of oneness arises, every moment of life becomes an opportunity to remain connected with the Divine.
Message for Everyday Life (Turning Everyday Life into Worship)
Spirituality extends beyond formal worship: Real devotion is expressed not only through prayer but also through the way we treat every living being.
Practical approach: Perform your daily responsibilities with the awareness that every act of kindness, honesty, and service offered to others is ultimately an offering to Lord Krishna. This transforms ordinary life into continuous worship.
Next Topic
Seeing the Divine in all beings naturally leads to another important quality—treating others as we would treat ourselves. In the next verse, Lord Krishna explains this highest principle of compassion and equality.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
To love God fully is to recognize His presence everywhere.
One who sees the Divine in all cannot live with hatred.
Every being becomes sacred when viewed through the lens of oneness.
Seeing God in others transforms interaction into reverence.
The Divine is closest to those who find Him everywhere.
Daily life becomes worship when lived in the awareness of God.
True yoga unites devotion, vision, and action.