BG 9.1 - 34

This transcendental knowledge is the king of sciences, the ultimate secret, the perfection of religion, and can be understood by direct experience.

Those who are without faith do not obtain this knowledge of Dharma. They remain trapped in the cycle of birth and death in this material world.

Nevertheless, everything that is created does not rest in me. Such is my mystic opulence, that though I am the cause and upholder of all, I am not a part of it.

Just as the wind is always situated in the great sky, blowing in all directions, all created beings are situated in me - try to understand this.

Under my will, the cosmic order is manifested again and again, and under my will it is annihilated in the end.

This work does not bind me - I am ever detached from these material activities, situated in equanimity.

Nature works under my direction to produce all moving and stationary things, and is the reason for everything in this cosmic manifestation.

Their hopes are futile, their actions are useless, and their knowledge is ineffective. They are demonic and godless.

The great souls who have taken refuge in my divine nature render service without hesitation, knowing me as the imperishable source of everything.

They are diligent in chanting my name, are determined in showing their respect for me, and remain perpetually engaged in worship.

There are also others who worship me through the cultivation of knowledge. They worship me as the oneness in duality and diversity, and by my diverse cosmic manifestations.

I am the father, mother, guardian, and grandfather of this universe. I am the object of knowledge, the purifying syllable Om, and the sacred scriptures.

I am the goal, the sustainer, the master, the witness, the home, the shelter, and the trusted friend. I am the creation and I am the destruction. I am the basis of everything and the eternal seed.

I give heat and withhold rain. I am death and immortality, being and non-being.

When they have enjoyed the vastness of heaven, having exhausted the result of their pious activities, they fall back to the mortal realm. Thus, those who seek sensual pleasure by only adhering to Vedic principles only achieve the cycle of birth and death.

Even those who are devotees of other gods, and worship them with faith, worship me alone, albeit in an incorrect manner.

For I am the only enjoyer, the Lord of all sacrifices. They do not recognize me, so they turn away.

Those who worship the gods, go to the gods. Those who worship the ancestors, go to the ancestors. But only those who worship me shall come to me.

Whatever one may offer, be it a leaf, flower, fruit, or water, I accept it, for it is offered with devotion and a pure mind.

Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever charity you perform, whatever austerity you practice - do all these as an offering to me.

You shall be free from bondage to the fruit of your actions, thus liberating yourself from bondage to action, and freeing yourself to come to me.

Even if the most sinful person were to worship me with undivided devotion, they should be regarded as righteous, for they have resolved to follow righteousness.

Such a person will quickly become righteous and attain eternal peace. Arjuna, believe me, my devotees are never lost.

Even those of sinful birth, women, laborers, and outcastes, all attain the supreme state by taking refuge in me.

What need is there to mention the holy priests, devoted sages, and earthly rulers? In this transient and miserable world, one should worship me with devotion.

Focus your mind on me, be my devotee, sacrifice for me, and surrender to me. By engaging your mind in this manner and regarding me as the supreme goal, you will certainly attain me.