Shloka 14

Bhakti Yoga — Bhakti Yoga

Devanagari script

संतुष्टः सततं योगी यतात्मा दृढनिश्चयः । मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्यो मद्भक्तः स मे प्रियः ॥ १२.१४ ॥

Transliteration

saṃtuṣṭaḥ satataṃ yogī yatātmā dṛḍha-niścayaḥ | mayy arpita-mano-buddhir yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ || 12.14 ||

Translation

जो सदैव संतुष्ट असतो असा योगी; संयमी; दृढनिश्चयी; आणि मन-बुद्धी मला अर्पण केलेला—असा माझा भक्त मला प्रिय आहे.

Gita Press Meaning

Content always, disciplined, of firm resolve, with mind and intellect dedicated to Me—such a devotee is dear to Me.

Critical Edition Meaning

Always content; a practitioner of yoga; self-controlled; of firm determination; one whose mind and understanding are offered to Me—such a devotee is dear to Me.

Comparative Note

Interpretations differ mainly on ‘arpita’ (“offered/entrusted/dedicated”)—devotional surrender in traditional readings versus a more neutral ‘directed toward’ in academic phrasing. ‘Yogī’ here functions as a general term for a disciplined practitioner, not necessarily a technical school label.

Word by Word

• संतुष्टः: content, satisfied
• संतुष्टः: Karta
• Root: संतुष्ट (√तुष्)

• सततम्: always, continually
• Root: सतत

• योगी: a yogin; one steadfast in yoga
• योगी: Karta
• Root: योगिन्

• यतात्मा: one whose self is restrained
• यतात्मा: Karta
• Root: यत-आत्मन्

• दृढनिश्चयः: firm in resolve, of unwavering determination
• दृढनिश्चयः: Karta
• Root: दृढ-निश्चय

• मयि: in me
• मयि: Adhikarana
• Root: अस्मद्

• अर्पित: offered, dedicated, surrendered
• Root: अर्पित (√अर्प्)

• मनः: mind
• Root: मनस्

• बुद्धिः: intellect, understanding
• Root: बुद्धि

• यः: who
• यः: Karta
• Root: यद्

• मत्: my
• Root: अस्मद्

• भक्तः: devotee
• भक्तः: Karta
• Root: भक्त (√भज्)

• सः: he
• सः: Karta
• Root: तद्

• मे: to me / of me (my)
• Root: अस्मद्

• प्रियः: dear, beloved
• Root: प्रिय

Speakers

• Krishna

Primary Concepts

• Saṃtoṣa (contentment)
• Yama/discipline (yatātmā)
• Dṛḍha-niścaya (firm resolve)
• Īśvara-praṇidhāna (dedication to the divine, conceptually related)

Key Themes

• Discipline
• Devotional orientation
• Steadfastness

FAQs

Psychological significance?

Contentment and firm resolve are portrayed as traits that reduce rumination and impulsivity, supporting sustained practice and emotional steadiness.

Metaphysical meaning?

Dedicating mind and intellect to the divine indicates a re-centering of cognition away from self-serving aims toward a perceived ultimate reality.

Contextual relevance?

Continuing the devotee-profile, the verse integrates affective stability (contentment) with cognitive commitment (resolve) and devotional intentionality.

Modern Application?

Cultivate contentment practices (gratitude, sufficiency) alongside clear commitments; align attention and decision-making with chosen higher values.