This chapter of 20 slokas, known as bhakti yoga, Doctrine of Faith, enumerates the human qualities that are endearing to the Supreme Spirit. In this also are discussed the ways in which one still could win the Lord's favour yet failing to set store on Him.
1
Thus spoke Arjuna:
Pray tell who's better realized,
One that devoted as stated
Or relies who on God Obscure.
2
Thus spoke the Lord:
Me in devotion who worships
Him I reckon as well realized.
3
Having said that add I might
Looks as one to God Obscure -
4
Doth he fine with senses reined
If well disposed towards the world.
5
But it's tough ask nonetheless
For one to realize God Obscure.
6
Whosoever hath faith in Me
And leans on Me heart 'n soul -
7
Him I help to cross over
Ocean vast of births 'n deaths.
8
If thou develop faith in Me
Take for granted I take thee.
9
Were thee to fail develop faith
It's not thou reached blind alley,
Ever Me having in thy mind
Practice lets thee turn the bend.
10
If thou feel that's hard as well
Indulge then in deeds Me please.
11
If thou find that difficult too
Give thyself to Me Supreme
Act then with thy subdued mind
With no thought for what follows.
12
Scores thought over mere roting
Betters meditation awareness too
What helps man to find moorings
Are acts his with no axe to grind.
13
Kind-hearted 'n considerate
Friendly natured, forgiving too
Lays no store on highs and lows
Suffers no pride 'n possessive not –
14
Who's patient 'n cheerful
Self-willed as well persevering,
Who's hearty ever at work
Makes he devout My beloved.
15
Troubles he none or perturbs
It's such poised I'm proud of.
16
Who's simple, never in want
Covets he not in vantage post
Shakes him none, he keeps his nerve
It's such who Me please the most.
17
He's My darling who craves not
Yet won't shun the pleasures of life
Takes but things all as they come.
18
Treats he equal friends 'n foes
Scorn or honour minds he not
Keeps he cool in grief and joy
Nurses for none soft centre –
19
Pats 'n slights all in the score
Treats as equal score My man
Takes he in his stride his lot
But won't put the blame on Me.
20
Who in dharma this engage
Them I hold in special esteem.
Ends thus:
Doctrine of Faith,
The Twelfth Chapter
Of Bhagavad-Gita,
Treatise of self-help.