Chapter 12: Bhakti-yoga – Practice and Attainment of Devotion: Verse 9
अथ चित्तं समाधातुं न शक्नोषि मयि स्थिरम् ।
अभ्यासयोगेन ततो मामिच्छाप्तुं धनञ्जय ॥
atha cittaṃ samādhātuṃ
na śaknoṣi mayi sthiram
abhyāsa-yogena tato
mām-icchāptuṃ dhanañjaya – 12.9
O Dhananjaya (Arjuna), if you are unable to fix your mind steadily in Me (the Supreme), then by means of yoga-practice, aspire to attain Me.
Chapter 12: Bhakti-yoga – Practice and Attainment of Devotion - Verse 9
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
To fix the mind and intelligence in the Supreme is the simple, straightforward means in devotional sādhanā. Mind alone feels and experiences everything. Delusion, distortion and distraction are all in the mind. To set matters right, directing it wholesomely to the Supreme is the right way.
If this is not possible, whatever be the reason or obstacle, says Krishna, do not feel defeated. Everyone is what nature has made him. So do not feel lost. Spirituality is a life-long pursuit. You may begin it any time!
So Krishna says, take to bodily or sensory practice and proceed earnestly with it. In our land, umpteen devotional practices have come into vogue. Worship of various kinds is there. Choose any one of them. But understand that mind and intelligence are the ones to be verily offered to the Supreme, by fixing them on the Supreme.
