Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 8, Verse 14

[Bhagavad Gita Slokas]

	Chapter 8: Attaining the Supreme
	Verse: 14 ananya-cetah satatam yo mam smarati nityasah tasyaham sulabhah partha nitya-yuktasya yoginah

Translation:
For one who always remembers Me without deviation, I am easy to obtain, O son of Pritha, because of his constant engagement in devotional service.

Explanation:
In the previous verses Krishna had spoken of pradhana-bhuta bhakti or devotion mixed with some form of desires. In 7.16, He spoke about bhakti mixed with karma. In 7.29, about bhakti mixed with jnana. In this chapter (8.9-8.13) He speaks about bhakti mixed with yoga. Now in this verse He finally speaks of kevala-bhakti or pure devotional service; bhakti without the tinge of any material desires.

Such a person is conscious of Krishna alone. He is not distracted by any other method such as karma, jnana or astanga. By practicing one of the nine limbs of devotional service (like chanting japa, hearing, remembering, deity worship etc.), the devotee remembers Krishna as the only dear object. Such a person encounters Krishna easily, primarily because Krishna becomes aware of their affections for Him and removes all obstacles in their paths.

The use of the phrase "constant engagement" signifies that the meditation is not dependant on any form of rules or regulations. Such a devotee may become nirapeksha (disregard the varanashrama dharma) or parnishtha (perform the varnashrama activities, not for himself but to set an example for others). In either case the primary activities of the devotee is ananya-cetaha or remembrance of Krishna without deviation.

Krishna uses the genitive case in this verse and says "I am easy to obtain," to indicate that the active agent in this attainment is Krishna and not the devotee. This is the special mercy that flows only in kevala bhakti. Since Krishna finds it much more painful to tolerate separation from such a devotee, He becomes the active agent for bringing the devotee close to Him by removing his obstacles and performing his sadhana for him.

Srila Prabhupada explains, "The special qualification of the pure devotee is that he is always thinking of Krishna without deviation and without considering the time or place. There should be no impediments. He should be able to carry out his service anywhere and at any time. Some say that the devotee should remain in holy places like Vrindavana or some holy town where the Lord lived, but a pure devotee can live anywhere and create the atmosphere of Vrindavana by his devotional service. It was Sri Advaita who told Lord Caitanya, "Wherever You are, O Lord�there is Vrindavana.""

Please read the Sanskrit Verse and the Prabhupada's Purport.

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Sent-by: ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple of Washington DC
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