09.34 Four glories of bhakti-yoga  – The glories of bhakti-yoga, as explained in the Bhagavad-gita (09.20-34), can be summarized through the acronym SETU: Simple, Eternal, Transformational, Universal. As SETU means bridge in Sanskrit, let’s understand how bhakti-yoga is a wonderful bridge between us and Krishna. 

Simple: Whereas many religious paths require elaborate rituals or expensive paraphernalia, bhakti-yoga can be practiced with the simplest of things such as a fruit or flower or leaf or even a little water (09.26). What is most needed is a heart desiring to love and serve Krishna.

Eternal: Though some religious path can provide much-touted results such as the attainment of heaven (09.20), those results are temporary. Once the positive karma accrued by our religious adherence is exhausted, we fall back to this world of mortality and misery (09.21). In contrast, the results of practicing bhakti are eternal. Krishna personally protects what we have and provides what we lack (09.22), thus keeping us on the path to loving union with him.

Transformational: Bhakti can elevate and liberate the worst of wrongdoers. Even while practicing bhakti, if we err – and err grievously – we are never rejected as disqualified. Though we may have fallen, the Gita urges us to focus not on our present regrettable condition, but on the transformational potency of bhakti (09.30) – that potency ensures that deviation doesn’t degenerate to destruction, but is replaced by redemption (09.31).

Universal: Most conventional religiosity often deems as unqualified certain classes of people such as those considered lowborn. But bhakti-yoga brooks no discrimination based on caste, gender or any such material considerations – it opens the door for everyone to attain the supreme destination (09.32).

Aptly, this Gita section (09.20-34) concludes its description of the glories of bhakti with a call to practice bhakti wholeheartedly (09.34).  

One-sentence summary:

Bhakti-yoga is simple, eternal, transformational and universal – thus, it is a wonderful SETU (bridge) to Krishna.

Think it over:

  • What are four significant glories of bhakti-yoga?
  • Which of these glories inspires you the most?
  • How can you channel that inspiration to fortify your devotional practices?

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09.34: Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me.

09.34 Four glories of bhakti-yoga

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