Bhagavad Gita 9.22 — I Carry What They Lack and Preserve What They Have
अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते ।
तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् ॥ ९.२२ ॥
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To those who worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on Me alone, and who are ever steadfast, I carry what they lack and preserve what they have.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| ananyāḥ | exclusively devoted, without any other object |
| chintayantaḥ | meditating on |
| mām | Me |
| ye | those who |
| janāḥ | persons |
| paryupāsate | worship |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| teṣhām | of them |
| nitya-abhiyuktānām | of those ever steadfast, always united with Me |
| yoga-kṣhemam | the gaining of what they lack and the preservation of what they have |
| vahāmi | I carry, I provide |
| aham | I |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| ananyāḥ | exclusively devoted, without any other object | teṣhām | of them |
| chintayantaḥ | meditating on | nitya-abhiyuktānām | of those ever steadfast, always united with Me |
| mām | Me | yoga-kṣhemam | the gaining of what they lack and the preservation of what they have |
| ye | those who | vahāmi | I carry, I provide |
| janāḥ | persons | aham | I |
| paryupāsate | worship | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In one of the most beloved verses of the Gita, Lord Krishna gives a heartfelt assurance to those who worship Him with undivided devotion. He promises that He Himself will carry what they lack and protect what they have.
Essence
The Lord's Promise to His Devotees
After describing those who wander in the cycle of desire, Lord Krishna turns to those who place their entire trust in Him. The tone of the verse is deeply personal and reassuring.
Ananyāś cintayanto mām (those who think of Me without any other thought): Ananya means exclusive, undivided. These devotees are not casually remembering the Lord now and then. Their thoughts constantly return to Him as their one refuge.
Paryupāsate (who worship fully): The prefix pari suggests complete, all-round worship. Their entire life becomes an offering.
Teṣāṁ nityābhiyuktānām (for those who are constantly devoted): The promise is made to those who remain steadily connected with the Lord, not merely emotionally inspired for a moment.
Yoga-kṣemaṁ vahāmy aham (I carry their yoga and kṣema): Yoga is the acquisition of what one does not yet have, and kṣema is the preservation and protection of what one has. The Lord says that He Himself personally bears this burden. The word vahāmi, I carry, is especially touching. A parent carries a small child, and the Lord promises to carry His devotee in this way.
This does not mean that devotees can stop acting or become careless. It means that, while they do their duty wholeheartedly, they are freed from anxiety about outcomes and security. They work with full effort but without the fear of being alone, because they trust a power greater than themselves to provide what is truly necessary.
Message for Everyday Life (Living Without Constant Anxiety)
Replace worry with trust: Much of modern stress comes from the belief that everything depends entirely on us, and that any mistake will bring ruin.
Practical approach: Do your part sincerely and prepare as well as you can, then consciously hand over your anxieties in prayer. Repeat to yourself, "I will do my best, and the rest is in His hands." Faith of this kind steadies the mind and allows you to act with calm confidence.
The Lord's Promise to His Devotees
After describing those who wander in the cycle of desire, Lord Krishna turns to those who place their entire trust in Him. The tone of the verse is deeply personal and reassuring.
Ananyāś cintayanto mām (those who think of Me without any other thought): Ananya means exclusive, undivided. These devotees are not casually remembering the Lord now and then. Their thoughts constantly return to Him as their one refuge.
Paryupāsate (who worship fully): The prefix pari suggests complete, all-round worship. Their entire life becomes an offering.
Teṣāṁ nityābhiyuktānām (for those who are constantly devoted): The promise is made to those who remain steadily connected with the Lord, not merely emotionally inspired for a moment.
Yoga-kṣemaṁ vahāmy aham (I carry their yoga and kṣema): Yoga is the acquisition of what one does not yet have, and kṣema is the preservation and protection of what one has. The Lord says that He Himself personally bears this burden. The word vahāmi, I carry, is especially touching. A parent carries a small child, and the Lord promises to carry His devotee in this way.
This does not mean that devotees can stop acting or become careless. It means that, while they do their duty wholeheartedly, they are freed from anxiety about outcomes and security. They work with full effort but without the fear of being alone, because they trust a power greater than themselves to provide what is truly necessary.
Message for Everyday Life (Living Without Constant Anxiety)
Replace worry with trust: Much of modern stress comes from the belief that everything depends entirely on us, and that any mistake will bring ruin.
Practical approach: Do your part sincerely and prepare as well as you can, then consciously hand over your anxieties in prayer. Repeat to yourself, "I will do my best, and the rest is in His hands." Faith of this kind steadies the mind and allows you to act with calm confidence.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has promised to personally carry the needs and security of His exclusive devotees. Next, He addresses an important question that follows naturally: what about those who worship other deities with faith? He explains how their worship is related to Him.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Give the heart; the Divine carries the load.
Worry lessens where trust grows.
What you need is already known.
One mind, one care.
Held by what you hold dear.
Peace is the fruit of surrender.
Be thankful for provisions you did not see arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ananyāḥ chintayantaḥ' (meditating exclusively on Me) mean?
What is 'yoga-kṣhemam' (the gaining of what is lacking and the preservation of what one has)?
Does this verse promise material wealth to devotees?
What does 'nitya-abhiyuktānām' (of those ever steadfast) mean?
What is the practical message of this verse?
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