Gita 12.14
Bhakti Yoga
सन्तुष्टः सततं योगी यतात्मा दृढनिश्चयः | मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्यो मद्भक्तः स मे प्रियः ||१४||
santuṣṭaḥ satataṁ yogī yatātmā dṛḍha-niścayaḥ | mayy arpita-mano-buddhir yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ ||14||
In essence: Ever content, self-controlled, firm in conviction, with mind and intellect surrendered to Me - that devotee is dear to Me.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "Krishna says this devotee is 'dear' to Him. Does God have favorites?"
Guru: "The sun shines equally on all, but a crystal catches and reflects more light. Krishna loves all beings equally - that's established elsewhere. 'Dear' means the devotee has made themselves receptive to grace. God's love is constant; our openness varies."
Sadhak: "How can I be 'ever content' when life keeps bringing problems?"
Guru: "Contentment isn't about circumstances but about relationship to them. Two people face the same difficulty - one is devastated, one maintains peace. The difference isn't in the problem but in their inner state. Contentment is cultivated independence from outcomes."
Sadhak: "What does it mean to surrender mind and intellect? Won't I become mindless?"
Guru: "Not mindless - differently-minded. Instead of mind serving ego ('what do I want?'), it serves the Divine ('what is right?'). Instead of intellect justifying desires, it discriminates truth from illusion. Surrender isn't losing function but changing master."
Sadhak: "'Sa me priyaḥ' - this devotee is dear to Me. I want to be dear to Krishna. How do I develop these qualities?"
Guru: "Start anywhere. Practice contentment today, accepting what comes. Practice self-control in one small area. Offer your thoughts to Krishna before acting on them. These qualities grow through exercise. The desire to be dear to the Lord is itself a gift - nurture it."
Did this resonate with you? Share it with someone who needs to hear this.
🌅 Daily Practice
Begin with santosha practice: list three things you're content about, just as they are. Not what you want to change but what you accept fully. This shifts the mind from scarcity to sufficiency. Then offer the day: 'Mind and intellect, serve the Divine today.'
Practice dṛḍha-niścaya - firm conviction. When doubt arises about your practice, your path, your worth, return to what you know deeply. Don't let passing moods shake fundamental understanding. When challenges come, remember: 'I've committed to this path. This difficulty is part of it.'
Review where contentment was present and where it wavered. Note moments when mind and intellect served ego versus when they served higher purpose. Express gratitude for any moments of genuine devotion. Let the day's imperfections go - tomorrow offers new opportunities.