Jnana Vijnana Yoga
The Yoga of Knowledge and Realization
Krishna explains the nature of His absolute truth. He describes His material and spiritual energies and how everything in existence is a combination of these. He details the four types of people who surrender to Him and the four types who do not, revealing Himself as the ultimate cause of all.
चतुर्विधा भजन्ते मां जनाः सुकृतिनोऽर्जुन | आर्तो जिज्ञासुरर्थार्थी ज्ञानी च भरतर्षभ ||16||
O best among the Bharatas, four kinds of pious people render devotional service unto Me—the distressed, the inquisitive, the desirer of wealth, and the one who is in knowledge.
Transliteration
chatur-vidhā bhajante māṁ janāḥ sukṛitino ’rjuna | ārto jijñāsur arthārthī jñānī cha bharatarṣhabha ||16||
Commentary
Lord Krishna categorizes his devotees into four types based on their motivations. While all are considered pious, the 'jnani' (one who seeks knowledge of the Absolute) is considered the highest, as their devotion is based on pure, selfless love and understanding.