Path

The Path of Devotion

What the Gita means by devotion, the devotee's qualities, and the practice of surrender.

13 steps About 139 min in total Suggested level: In Depth

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Steps

  1. Step 1 of 13 Devotion or the Unmanifest Whether you worship the Lord in a form or the unmanifest Reality, which is better? Gita 12.1-5 holds Arjuna's question and the Lord's answer: the goal is one, but the roads differ in how hard they are. Simple · 4 min In Depth · 8 min Deeper · 12 min
  2. Step 2 of 13 The Illusory Energy and Surrender Why do we repeat what we already know is wrong? In Gita 7.14-15 the Lord says the pull on the mind is his own power, that refuge is the way across, and why some people do not take that way. Simple · 4 min In Depth · 10 min Deeper · 14 min
  3. Step 3 of 13 Four Kinds of Devotees In Gita 7.16-19 the Lord says that four things turn people to Him: distress, a wish to know, a want and wisdom. All four are welcome, and nearest is the one who comes for Him alone. Simple · 4 min In Depth · 9 min Deeper · 13 min
  4. Step 4 of 13 What We Worship, We Become In Gita 7.20-23 and 9.20-25 the Lord says he steadies the faith of those who worship other deities and arranges what they receive, but that the result is perishable. You reach what you worship. Simple · 4 min In Depth · 10 min Deeper · 13 min
  5. Step 5 of 13 The Steadfast Devotee and Divine Care In Gita 9.13-15 and 9.22 the great souls worship the Lord with an undivided mind, and he carries what they lack and preserves what they have: the care the tradition calls yogakshema. Simple · 5 min In Depth · 11 min Deeper · 13 min
  6. Step 6 of 13 A Leaf, a Flower, a Fruit, Water In Gita 9.26-29 the Lord accepts a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water offered with devotion, asks that every act be made an offering, promises freedom from the bonds of results, and is equal to all yet near to the devotee. Simple · 6 min In Depth · 14 min Deeper · 18 min
  7. Step 7 of 13 Offering All Actions Lord Krishna asks that all actions be offered to Him with the mind steady, without expectation, possessiveness or fever. Gita 3.30-32 and 5.10-12 show how such work leaves no stain and brings lasting peace. Simple · 5 min In Depth · 12 min Deeper · 14 min
  8. Step 8 of 13 Even the Worst Offender At the end of chapter 9 the Lord says a person of very bad conduct who worships wholly is to be regarded as righteous. Gita 9.30-34: what it means, where it stops, and three readings. Simple · 4 min In Depth · 10 min Deeper · 16 min
  9. Step 9 of 13 The Ladder of Devotion What if your mind will not stay on God? In Gita 12.6-12 the Lord gives four steps, each for the person who cannot take the one above, and ends with peace that follows at once on giving up the fruit of action. The verses and three readings. Simple · 5 min In Depth · 12 min Deeper · 15 min
  10. Step 10 of 13 The Devotee Dear to the Lord At the end of chapter 12 the Lord draws the person who is dear to Him: free of hatred, friendly and compassionate, level in pain and pleasure, skilful and steady. Three readings of Gita 12.13-20, and what 'dear' means. Simple · 6 min In Depth · 13 min Deeper · 18 min
  11. Step 11 of 13 Knowing His Glory Leads to Devotion Five verses of chapter 10: whoever knows the Lord's glory in truth is joined to Him by unwavering devotion, devotees find joy in speaking of Him together, and the Lord Himself gives the wisdom and the lamp of knowledge. Three readings. Simple · 6 min In Depth · 12 min Deeper · 17 min
  12. Step 12 of 13 By Devotion Alone Four closing words of the Lord after the universal form: this sight is rare even for the gods, no Veda, austerity, charity or sacrifice wins it, undivided devotion does, and the devotee has five marks. Three readings. Simple · 5 min In Depth · 13 min Deeper · 16 min
  13. Step 13 of 13 Devotion in Practice A short daily routine for devotion: a morning offering, one act for the Lord, a pause in a hard meeting and a review at night, with questions taken from the verses. Two readings. Simple · 3 min In Depth · 5 min