Chapter 9 Shloka 22

अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जना: पर्युपासते।

तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम्।।२२।।

Those devotees, who are established in Me alone

with one exclusive thought, who constantly

think of Me and worship Me, I personally attend

to the protection of the yoga of those souls

who are thus ever united with Me.

Chapter 9 Shloka 22

अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जना: पर्युपासते।

तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम्।।२२।।

Those devotees, who are established in Me alone with one exclusive thought, who constantly think of Me and worship Me, I personally attend to the protection of the yoga of those souls who are thus ever united with Me.

Ananya (अनन्य)

One-pointed faith, one with a single focus of faith, absorbed in one, indivisible.

The Lord says, “I personally attend to the protection of yoga of those whose concentration is upon Me alone.”

Little one, those who keep their mind focused incessantly on the Atma:

a) They constantly offer all their deeds to the Lord.

b) They therefore perform all actions devoid of any desire for their fruit.

c) All their deeds are performed in complete selflessness and without motive.

d) Their life becomes an unbroken sequence of yagya.

e) They perform deeds that are for universal benefit and for the welfare of the maximum number.

f) They use their body, mind and wealth for the good of others.

g) They do everything for the establishment of others.

Just consider, who looks after such people in their daily life? How does such a one go about the task of self-sustenance?

The Lord clarifies, “I personally attend to the yogakshema (योग क्षेम) of such a noble soul.” This can have two meanings, both of which are correct, because it is indeed the Lord who attends to both the tasks.

Yogakshema of sadhana or spiritual practice

The Lord Himself protects the sadhana and the bliss derived thereof of such devotees who dwell incessantly in thoughts of Him. He gives them complete satiation. It could be said that such devotees gain indifference towards their personal selves as a consequence of their constant devotion. They abide in unalloyed bliss. The Lord Himself ensures their yogakshema.

Little one, the protection of yoga of a spiritual seeker would be ensured only if he receives such opportunities in which he could strengthen his practice of yoga.

Ordinarily, divine attributes are nourished by adversity and divine qualities can be practised in unfavourable circumstances. So one can say that the Lord gives adversity to the spiritual aspirant in order to grant him the opportunity to ensure his yoga.

You must not however deduce from this, that sadhana is not possible in favourable circumstances. Actually sadhana can progress only in a positive atmosphere and with a joyous heart. One who is unaffected by adversity is truly happy and can advance in spiritual practice.

A devotee dances with joy upon receiving this assurance from the Lord.

Those who are ever absorbed in selfless deeds for the welfare of mankind, are assured of the protection of their yoga by the Lord Himself.

The Yogakshema of one’s worldly interests

The Lord also ensures the yogakshema of the devotees’ worldly needs. He looks after their every requirement, for they themselves are oblivious to their own bodily needs. The Lord organises every aspect of their journey of life.

Little one, the Lord’s devotee never goes hungry; the Lord’s devotee never experiences sorrow. The motiveless yagya, undertaken by one who lives only for the Lord’s name, will ultimately always bear fruit.

Even if the devotee is defeated time and again, his ultimate victory is ensured. The proud and the arrogant keep winning, but ultimately meet with defeat. Who spares the life of one established in selfless deeds and one who has renounced all action for personal benefit?

1. Little one, selfish people who use such a one for personal gain will never give him anything.

2. Those who use him to establish their reputation will give him nothing.

3. Those who seek material gain from him will naturally give him nothing.

4. Those who expect him to grant them Self-realisation will always be annoyed with him.

5. Those who seek self-establishment through him will not give him anything in return.

Then consider, how shall such a one subsist? Who will sustain such a one? He gives every moment of his day for the fulfilment of others’ tasks. He is prepared to risk his name and reputation for the establishment of the other. Then how shall such a one obtain his means of livelihood?

The Lord proclaims, “It is I who ensures the protection of his yoga!”

The Lord instils in the other a desire to help such a one incognito. It is He who inspires generosity in another’s heart towards that selfless being. If the Lord seemingly takes away his all, He also dons another garb to protect His devotee too.

Little one, a little while ago the Lord proclaimed, “I Myself am all the meritorious qualities,” and “I am yagya also.” It is as if He is donning this form in order to protect His devotee who is established in yoga. Thus disguised, the Lord Himself:

a) ensures the gross protection of the egoless Atmavaan’s material possessions;

b) ensures the protection of that egoless Atmavaan’s subtle realms;

c) ensures the protection of that egoless Atmavaan’s knowledge.

Little one, now the Lord Himself has given you His assurance. Why do you not believe His Word and renounce the body idea? This body will perish and leave you one day. The true test would be if you could renounce the body whilst still alive!