One of the Bhagavad-gita’s most quoted verses (09.31) declares that Krishna always protects his devotees. While this verse is often used to support the idea that Krishna will protect us physically, the verse when read in context focuses on the theme of Krishna’s spiritual protection: even if we fall to grievous misdeeds, we will be protected and purified by his mercy.
Why does Krishna focus on spiritual protection on a battlefield, a place of immense physical danger? Because the Gita was spoken to address Arjuna’s reluctance to fight, and Arjuna was reluctant not because what he feared was not the physical danger of death, but the spiritual danger of making a wrong choice impelled by greed.
Why are spiritual dangers so alarming? Because physical dangers often come upon us due to our past actions — they are in some ways inevitable karmic reactions to what we have already done. Spiritual dangers, on the other hand, come to us due to our present choices — they are by no means inevitable. Additionally, physical dangers and the consequent distresses will end once the reactions to our past karmic reactions get exhausted, but spiritual dangers and the consequent distresses may continue for as long as we keep making wrong choices, be.
How can this verse relate to our situation? It can give us hope that even if we fall due to our past conditionings or our present conditions, we too will be protected and delivered by our Lord. When trying to lead a life centered on moral and spiritual principles, we all will have struggles when confronted with temptations and tribulations that impel us to seek relief in quick pleasure.
Rather than giving in to unhealthy feelings of guilt, discouragement and resentment, we can turn toward Krishna and focus on his words, his promise and his love.
One-sentence summary:
More alarming than physical danger is spiritual danger — and Krishna assures us protection from that ultimate danger.
Think it over:
- Why does Krishna focus more on spiritual danger than on physical danger?
- Why is spiritual danger to be more feared than physical danger?
- How can we gain strength in the face of spiritual danger?
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09.31: He quickly becomes righteous and attains lasting peace. O son of Kuntī, declare it boldly that My devotee never perishes.
To know more about this verse, please click on the image
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