Devotion is seen through dedication  – Suppose someone claims that they are strong patriots. On observing them, if we find that they hardly do anything practical for their country, we will wonder, “Are they really devoted to their country?” Suppose they claim, “But I am always thinking about my country.” We will naturally question, “Then why does the object of your constant thought so rarely become the object of your practical action?”

Similar questions can be asked of those who claim to be internally devoted to Krishna but hardly do anything in his service. Substantiating the above reasoning, the second verse (10.09) of the Chatur-Shloki Gita (10.08-11) declares that the lives of the devoted are centered on Krishna; he is their purpose, and they give their lives to his service. Significantly, this verse describes such dedication as the second characteristic of the devoted; the first characteristic is the absorption of their thought in him. Phrased as a progression, the second characteristic is the natural external expression of the first characteristic. 

The Gita’s conclusion highlights this internal-external synergy in devotion. It unambiguously recommends bhakti-yoga (18.64-66), centered on remembering Krishna (18.65) and surrendering to him (18.66). And Arjuna responds by declaring his resolve to do Krishna’s will (18.73) — not by going into flights of devotional ecstasy. Arjuna’s response reflects the Gita’s overall explanation of devotion: it provides the vision and motivation that inspires outer dedication to Krishna’s cause. 

While assessing our spiritual growth, we needn’t worry too much about whether we are becoming devotionally ecstatic; instead, we can focus far more on whether we are increasingly centering our life on tangible service to Krishna. By that focus, we can steadily progress toward him.

One-sentence summary

Devotion is not just an emotion, it is essentially the dedication of our entire life 

Think it over:

  • What are the two characteristics of the devoted? How are those characteristics related?
  • How does the Gita’s conclusion illustrate the internal-external synergy of devotion?
  • When assessing our spiritual growth, what can we focus on? 

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10.09: The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.

Devotion is seen through dedication

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