Bhagvad-Gita: Treatise of self-help by BS Murthy                                                                       <<Back to Chapter 11 Chapter-12: Doctrine of Faith           This chapter of 22 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.     (cont...)  <<Back to Chapter 11 Introduction  Chapter 1   Chapter 2    Chapter 3    Chapter 4    Chapter 5    Chapter 6  Chapter 7  Chapter 8    Chapter 9   Chapter 10 Chapter 11   Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14  Chapter 15  Chapter 16  Chapter 17  Chapter 18 Hinduism main page