Chapter 9, Verse 2 (Bhagavad Gita 9.2)
Chapter 9: Rāja Vidyā Yog – Yoga through the King of Sciences
Sanskrit Shloka
राजविद्या राजगुह्यं पवित्रमिदमुत्तमम्। प्रत्यक्षावगमं धर्म्यं सुसुखं कर्तुमव्ययम्
Transliteration
rāja-vidyā rāja-guhyaṁ pavitram idam uttamam pratyakṣhāvagamaṁ dharmyaṁ su-sukhaṁ kartum avyayam
Word Meanings
rāja-vidyā—the king of sciences; rāja-guhyam—the most profound secret; pavitram—pure; idam—this; uttamam—highest; pratyakṣha—directly perceptible; avagamam—directly realizable; dharmyam—virtuous; su-sukham—easy; kartum—to practice; avyayam—everlasting
Translation
This knowledge is the king of all sciences, the most profound of all secrets, the supreme purifier, directly perceivable by the heart, consistent with eternal righteousness (dharma), very easy to perform, and everlasting.
Meaning & Commentary
Shri Krishna reveals that this royal science—Bhakti Yoga—is the ultimate path because it transforms the practitioner from within, cleansing the soul of all past impurities. Unlike arduous rituals, this path is accessible to everyone, regardless of their status or past, making the Supreme Lord approachable through pure devotion. By engaging in this eternal wisdom, the seeker aligns themselves with the cosmic order, securing a permanent state of liberation. Shri Krishna invites Arjuna to embrace this secret, promising that it is not only easy to practice but yields imperishable results that lead directly to the Divine abode.