“Krishna said: Those who, fixing their minds on Me, worship Me with steadfast devotion and supreme faith, I consider them the best.”
Key Teaching: Krishna deems devotees worshiping his personal form with steadfast faith the best.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Bhakti Yoga.
Description:
Krishna declares that devotees who fix their minds on his personal form, worshiping with steadfast devotion and supreme faith, are considered the best. This verse, continuing 12.1, addresses Arjuna’s question about worship (2.9, 12.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he defines the superior path, and Bhakti Yoga, as he emphasizes devotion, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s need for clarity (1.28–46) contrasts with Duryodhana’s ignorance (1.3–11). Krishna’s preference for personal devotion supports Arjuna’s Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47) and Bhakti Yoga (11.54), guiding his spiritual focus.
Philosophically, this verse addresses the superiority of personal devotion, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on bhakti (9.26). Arjuna’s question is answered by Krishna’s guidance favoring love for his form. The theme of Bhakti Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on devotion as the highest path.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their authoritative clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s devotion, where Krishna’s personal form inspires love. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with divine faith, aligning with liberation.