11.55 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 11, Verse 55

Bhagavad Gita verse 11.55 forms the culmination of the Eleventh Chapter, where Lord Krishna presents the essence of devotional service (bhakti) as the supreme path to attain Him. This verse emerges after Krishna has revealed His cosmic form and explained that mere Vedic study, austerities, or ritualistic sacrifices cannot grant direct access to Him. Instead, He offers a clear, practical formula for spiritual advancement through five interconnected principles of pure devotion.

In this pivotal verse, Krishna says: "My dear Arjuna, he who engages in My pure devotional service, free from the contaminations of fruitive activities and mental speculation, he who works for Me, who makes Me the supreme goal of his life, and who is friendly to every living being – he certainly comes to Me". This instruction serves as both a summary of the chapter and, as Srila Prabhupada notes, the "sum and substance" of the entire Bhagavad Gita.

The first principle, mat-karma-kṛn (working for Krishna), emphasizes that a devotee should actively engage in service to the Lord rather than merely offering the results of work. This means transforming ordinary activities into spiritual practice by performing them with consciousness of Krishna, whether through temple worship, sharing spiritual knowledge, or fulfilling one's duties with devotion. The second principle, mat-paramaḥ (making Krishna the supreme goal), establishes a clear priority in life. While material responsibilities exist, a true devotee places spiritual advancement above all worldly concerns, ready to choose Krishna when conflicts arise.

The third principle, mad-bhaktaḥ, highlights personal devotion through practices like chanting, hearing, and remembering Krishna. This devotion must be pure, untainted by desires for material gain or speculative philosophical pursuits. The fourth principle, saṅga-varjitaḥ, warns against negative associations that can impede spiritual progress. A devotee carefully avoids influences that might distract from devotional service, while still maintaining goodwill toward all beings.

Perhaps most striking is the fifth principle, nirvairaḥ sarva-bhūteṣu – being free from enmity toward all living entities. This principle reveals the compassionate heart of bhakti, showing that true devotion transcends sectarianism and cultivates universal goodwill. Even as Arjuna prepared for battle, Krishna reminded him that his actions should not be motivated by personal hatred but by duty aligned with dharma. A devotee may confront injustice or oppose wrongdoing, but never with a spirit of revenge or malice.

This is beautifully illustrated in the example of Lord Rama, who instructed Vibhishana to perform the last rites for Ravana, acknowledging that the soul is pure though its conditioning may lead to negative actions. Similarly, Srila Prabhupada, even when using strong language like "rascal," did so with genuine concern for those who had forgotten Krishna, praying: "Krishna, all these rascals have forgotten You, so give me intelligence so that I can reconnect these rascals to You".

Krishna concludes with the assurance "sa mām eti" – "he comes to Me." This promise underscores that bhakti is both the means and the end of spiritual life. Through dedicated practice of these five principles – working for Krishna, making Him the supreme goal, engaging in devotional service, avoiding harmful associations, and maintaining a non-envious attitude toward all beings – one can transcend material bondage and attain Krishna's eternal abode. This comprehensive approach transforms not only one's relationship with God but also with oneself and all beings, creating a life of harmony, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment.