Bhagavad Gita 9.30 — Even a Person of Very Bad Conduct, if Wholly Devoted, Is to Be Regarded as Righteous
अपि चेत्सुदुराचारो भजते मामनन्यभाक् ।
साधुरेव स मन्तव्यः सम्यग्व्यवसितो हि सः ॥ ९.३० ॥
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Even if one of very bad conduct worships Me with exclusive devotion, he should be regarded as righteous, for he has resolved rightly.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| api | even |
| chet | if |
| su-durāchāraḥ | one of very bad conduct |
| bhajate | worships |
| mām | Me |
| ananya-bhāk | with exclusive devotion |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sādhuḥ | righteous, saintly |
| eva | indeed |
| saḥ | he |
| mantavyaḥ | should be regarded |
| samyak | rightly |
| vyavasitaḥ | resolved |
| hi | indeed |
| saḥ | he |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| api | even | sādhuḥ | righteous, saintly |
| chet | if | eva | indeed |
| su-durāchāraḥ | one of very bad conduct | saḥ | he |
| bhajate | worships | mantavyaḥ | should be regarded |
| mām | Me | samyak | rightly |
| ananya-bhāk | with exclusive devotion | vyavasitaḥ | resolved |
| hi | indeed | ||
| saḥ | he | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
This verse offers a remarkable message of hope. Lord Krishna declares that even a person of very bad conduct, if he worships the Lord with undivided devotion, should be regarded as a saint, because his resolve is truly right.
Essence
Hope for the Fallen
Spiritual traditions are sometimes understood as being only for the already virtuous. This verse boldly challenges that idea. The Lord focuses on the direction of the heart, not just on the record of the past.
Api cet su-durācāraḥ (even if one is of very bad conduct): The Lord uses a strong word, su-durācāra, a person whose past behavior has been seriously wrong. He does not minimize or excuse wrongdoing. He simply says that wrongdoing is not the last word on a person.
Bhajate mām ananya-bhāk (but worships Me with undivided devotion): The condition is crucial. The person must truly turn to the Lord with a single-minded heart, not as a convenient show. The word ananya-bhāk means one who is devoted to Him alone.
Sādhur eva sa mantavyaḥ (he should be regarded as a saint): The person is to be seen as one who has taken the essential step. We are asked not to judge him only by his past. The turning point has occurred within.
Samyag vyavasito hi saḥ (for he has rightly resolved): The reason is that his resolution is correct. He has made the decision that gives his life its true direction. The old habits may still have some force, but the foundation has shifted, and the remainder of the change will follow.
The verse must not be misunderstood as permission to continue wrongdoing. Genuine devotion to the Lord naturally transforms conduct. The point is that no one is beyond redemption, and the sincerity of the turn matters more than the length of the past.
Message for Everyday Life (Never Giving Up on Yourself or Others)
A past mistake is not a permanent identity: Many people carry shame so heavily that they stop trying to improve. This verse tells us that a sincere new resolve changes everything.
Practical approach: If you have made serious mistakes, take responsibility, make amends where possible, and then commit firmly to a better direction. Also try to see people not only through their worst moments but through their capacity to change.
Hope for the Fallen
Spiritual traditions are sometimes understood as being only for the already virtuous. This verse boldly challenges that idea. The Lord focuses on the direction of the heart, not just on the record of the past.
Api cet su-durācāraḥ (even if one is of very bad conduct): The Lord uses a strong word, su-durācāra, a person whose past behavior has been seriously wrong. He does not minimize or excuse wrongdoing. He simply says that wrongdoing is not the last word on a person.
Bhajate mām ananya-bhāk (but worships Me with undivided devotion): The condition is crucial. The person must truly turn to the Lord with a single-minded heart, not as a convenient show. The word ananya-bhāk means one who is devoted to Him alone.
Sādhur eva sa mantavyaḥ (he should be regarded as a saint): The person is to be seen as one who has taken the essential step. We are asked not to judge him only by his past. The turning point has occurred within.
Samyag vyavasito hi saḥ (for he has rightly resolved): The reason is that his resolution is correct. He has made the decision that gives his life its true direction. The old habits may still have some force, but the foundation has shifted, and the remainder of the change will follow.
The verse must not be misunderstood as permission to continue wrongdoing. Genuine devotion to the Lord naturally transforms conduct. The point is that no one is beyond redemption, and the sincerity of the turn matters more than the length of the past.
Message for Everyday Life (Never Giving Up on Yourself or Others)
A past mistake is not a permanent identity: Many people carry shame so heavily that they stop trying to improve. This verse tells us that a sincere new resolve changes everything.
Practical approach: If you have made serious mistakes, take responsibility, make amends where possible, and then commit firmly to a better direction. Also try to see people not only through their worst moments but through their capacity to change.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has declared that even a person of very bad conduct becomes worthy of respect when he turns to the Lord with sincere resolve. The next verse explains how this transformation actually unfolds and gives Arjuna a solemn promise about the fate of the devotee.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
No one is too far to turn back.
A right decision changes everything.
The past is a record; the heart is a direction.
Judge by where one is going.
A sincere turn begins a new life.
Love purifies what regret cannot.
Everyone can begin again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a 'su-durāchāraḥ' (one of very bad conduct)?
What does 'ananya-bhāk' (with exclusive devotion) mean?
Why is such a person called 'sādhuḥ' (righteous)?
Does this verse excuse bad conduct?
What is the practical message of this verse?
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