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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9 Verse 30 (9.30)

Reflective Prompt:

When someone makes mistakes or goes astray but sincerely decides to turn their life around, how do you view their potential?

  • Option 1: With doubt, assuming their past actions define who they will always be.
  • Option 2: With faith, believing that sincere commitment can quickly transform their path.

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9 Verse 30 (9.30)

अपि चेत्सुदुराचारो भजते मामनन्यभाक् । साधुरेव स मन्तव्यः सम्यग्व्यवसितो हि सः | | ९-३० | |

api chetsudurāchāro bhajate māmananyabhāk sādhureva sa mantavyaḥ samyagvyavasito hi saḥ

Word-by-word guide:
Line 1:
  • अपि (api) — भले ही(even if)
  • चेत् (chet) — यदि(if)
  • सु-दुराचारः (su-duracharah) — अत्यंत दुराचारी(of very bad conduct)
  • भजते (bhajate) — भजता है(worships)
  • माम् (mam) — मुझे(Me)
  • अनन्य-भाक् (ananya-bhak) — अनन्य भक्त होकर(with undivided devotion)
Line 2:
  • साधुः (sadhuh) — साधु(righteous)
  • एव (eva) — ही(indeed)
  • सः (sah) — वह(that person)
  • मन्तव्यः (mantavyah) — मानना चाहिए(should be regarded)
  • सः (sah) — वह(that person)
  • m joined in samyagvyavasito
  • यः (yah) — जो(who)
  • g joined in samyagvyavasito
  • व्यवसितः (vyavasitah) — संकल्पित(resolved)
  • हि (hi) — क्योंकि(because)
  • सः (sah) — वह(he)

English: Even the most sinful, if he worship Me with his whole heart, will be considered righteous, for he is treading the right path.

💡 Commentary Note

Even if a person of extremely bad conduct resolves to worship the Supreme with exclusive devotion, they must be regarded as righteous, for they have made the correct resolution.

Learnings from Shloka 30:
  • Power of Intent:: A sincere change of heart and direction can immediately transform a person's spiritual status.
  • No Final Condemnation:: The path to redemption is always open to anyone, regardless of their past mistakes.

Gita/Sanskrit Language Quiz

Practice this shloka vocabulary

Match Sanskrit words from shloka 9.30 with their Hindi and English meanings.

Practice vocabulary