9.29 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 9, Verse 29

In this verse, Krishna draws a clear picture of His impartiality towards all living beings, declaring that He neither harbors hatred nor special affection for anyone. He emphasizes that His love and care extend universally, much like sunlight that bathes all without discrimination. This assures the listener that the divine does not operate out of personal preference, bias, or prejudice. The nature of Krishna’s relationship with any soul, therefore, does not originate from favoritism but from an unwavering state of equality and fairness.

Yet Krishna recognizes the unique connection that arises with those who approach Him with heartfelt devotion. He clarifies that while His impartiality remains intact, there exists a special closeness with His devotees—those who offer their love sincerely and faithfully. For these individuals, Krishna says, “they are in Me and I am in them.” This is not a contradiction to His impartial nature, but rather highlights a law of reciprocity, where the devotee’s loving approach is answered with divine intimacy.

To understand this, consider the analogy of rainfall. Rain pours evenly across the land, yet the outcome depends on the quality of the soil. Fertile land yields abundant crops, while barren soil may produce little. Similarly, Krishna’s grace showers on all, but the results depend on how one receives and responds to it. The openness of the heart, cultivated through selfless devotion, becomes the rich soil in which God’s love takes root and flourishes.

There is a deeper philosophical point in Krishna’s words. He is both the impartial sustainer and the affectionate beloved. When He says that He is equal to all, He upholds the principle that every being is equally dear to Him, irrespective of past actions, status, or beliefs. His role as a just cosmic judge means every soul receives the fruits of their actions fairly, with no divine interference or caprice.

However, His interaction with devotees demonstrates another aspect of the divine: personal engagement. When someone approaches Krishna with true devotion, a unique relationship develops, as if two hearts beat within each other. This closeness does not violate impartiality, as it arises from the devotee’s own initiative and love, not from Krishna’s selective preference. The opportunity to develop this intimacy is open to all, making it both impartial and deeply personal at the same time.

This duality in Krishna’s nature is not unlike the role of a parent who loves all their children equally, yet responds more intimately to those who seek their company or express affection. The parent does not love one child more than the others by principle, but the closeness deepens with those who engage more with them. Thus, Krishna’s special care for devotees is not a denial of equality, but a celebration of love returned.

The verse also reminds us that the divine relationship is never one-sided. Spiritual growth is not merely a matter of pleasing an arbitrary higher power, but an ongoing, living relationship. Krishna assures that even the smallest step towards Him is matched by His boundless reciprocation. One who seeks God finds God’s embrace ever more present, tangible, and transformative.

In summary, this verse reveals a profound principle underpinning our relationship with the divine: impartiality and intimacy coexist harmoniously. Krishna serves as the impartial cosmic presence for all, while also offering a uniquely intimate relationship with those who seek Him through pure devotion. The door to divine closeness is open to everyone; it simply waits for us to walk through with trust and love.