सर्वभूतस्थितं यो मां भजत्येकत्वमास्थितः। सर्वथा वर्तमानोऽपि स योगी मयि वर्तते।।6.31।।
sarvabhūta-sthitaṁ yo māṁ bhajaty ekatvaṁ āsthitaḥ | sarvathā vartamāno'pi sa yogī mayi vartate ||6.31||
Translation
The yogi who is established in oneness with Me, worships Me who pervades all beings, and remains in Me, even while being active in every way.
Word Meanings
sarva-bhūta-sthitam — situated in every being; yo — he who; māṁ — Me; bhajati — worships; ekatvam — oneness; āsthitaḥ — established; sarvathā — in all respects; vartamānaḥ — being engaged; api — even; saḥ — he; yogī — the yogi; mayi — in Me; vartate — remains.
Understanding the Verse
Verse 6.31 encapsulates the essence of yogic integration with the Divine. It declares that a true yogi, whose consciousness is anchored in the realization of oneness (ekatva) with Krishna, perceives the Supreme as residing within every living entity (sarva‑bhūta‑sthita). This perception transforms all actions into expressions of divine service. The verse therefore bridges the apparent duality between worldly engagement and spiritual immersion.
The first clause, "sarva‑bhūta‑sthitaṁ yo" (the one who sees the Lord in all beings), emphasizes the panoramic vision of the yogi. Rather than limiting the divine presence to temples or scriptures, the yogi recognises Krishna's immanence in every heart, breath, and atom. This all‑pervading vision dissolves the egoic barriers that create separation, fostering universal compassion and a sense of shared divinity.
"Māṁ bhajaty ekatvaṁ āsthitaḥ" (who worships Me in oneness) describes the mode of devotion. The yogi does not worship a distant deity but relates to the Supreme as an inseparable part of his own being. This intimate union eliminates the need for external rituals; the inner worship becomes a constant, silent offering that aligns every thought and deed with divine will.
The second part, "sarvathā vartamāno'pi sa yogī mayi vartate," affirms that even while the yogi remains fully engaged in all activities (sarvathā vartamānaḥ), he never departs from the Lord's presence. The phrase "api" highlights the paradox that worldly involvement does not diminish spiritual presence; instead, it provides a fertile ground for manifesting divine qualities in action. The yogi's life becomes a living example of Krishna's teaching that one can be in the world without being of the world.
Krishna’s reassurance in this verse serves a practical purpose for aspirants. It dispels the misconception that spiritual progress demands renunciation of duties. By illustrating that the truly realized yogi can act, work, and serve while staying rooted in the Divine, the verse encourages a balanced path (karma‑yoga) where duty and devotion coexist harmoniously. This understanding is especially relevant for householders who seek to integrate spirituality with daily responsibilities.
Finally, the verse points to the ultimate goal of the yogic journey: *samatva* — equanimity. When the mind rests in the awareness of Krishna’s pervasiveness, the fluctuations of pleasure, pain, success, or failure lose their grip. The yogi remains steady, anchored in the unchanging reality of the Divine, irrespective of external circumstances. This steadfastness is the hallmark of true yoga, the ultimate liberation (moksha) described throughout the Gita.
