The Bhagavad Gita is a highly revered sacred text presented as a story that illuminates the yogic way of living life. The dialogue between the warrior prince, Arjuna, and Krishna, his divine teacher, reveals questions that every serious student on the path of yoga will eventually ask of their teacher. These questions explore to the essence of human struggle, purpose, and devotion.
In Chapter 11, Arjuna asks to see Krishna in his true form. Krishna responds that his divine essence can only be fully seen through devotion. This moment in the Gita is a powerful metaphor: we can only see our true and great potential when we are fully devoted to it. Without devotion—without commitment, effort, and focus—we remain blind to the divine within us, the vastness and awesomeness of our own true nature.
Krishna then grants Arjuna a special eye, often referred to as the divine eye or the "third eye," through which he can perceive Krishna’s universal form. This eye symbolizes the witness consciousness that yoga teaches us to cultivate—the ability to see beyond our immediate reactions, judgments, and distractions, and instead witness life with clarity, detachment, and awe.
Devotion and Yoga Practice
Reflecting on this teaching, we are invited to ask: What do I have undistracted devotion toward? Is it my job, social media, the "problem-of-the-day", my cell phone? How often does the object of my devotion align with my deeper purpose?
Devotion, when applied to our yoga practice, has the power to transform and deepen it. Ask yourself: How do I approach my yoga practice? Is there an element of devotion present when I am on my mat? Do I move through my postures and breathe with an inner knowing or belief that good things will come from these practices?
When devotion is present in our practice, it shifts from being merely physical exercise or a mental routine to something much deeper—a sacred act. Devotion connects us to the faith that these practices will not only transform our bodies and minds, but will also reveal the highest truth of who we are.
The Role of Faith
In Chapter 17, verse 3, Krishna explains: "Humans are made of faith. Whatever faith you have, thus you are."
Faith shapes our identity and directs our actions. So, where do you place your faith? Is it in your ability to grow? In your connection to something greater? ...or in the fleeting distractions of daily life?
Faith is the foundation of devotion, and when we cultivate faith in our ability to know truth and/or see from a higher perspective, we unlock the potential to see clearly, act purposefully, and live fully.
The Gita also reminds us in Chapter 17, verse 7, that the things we consume and the actions we take—our food, sacrifices, and austerities—can fall into three categories: sattvic (pure), rajasic (passionate), and tamasic (ignorant). These qualities influence our state of mind and our ability to grow. While our practices, studies, and disciplined effort can support us, the Gita emphasizes that faith is the most powerful tool for transformation.
Seeing with the Divine Eye
Krishna’s teaching to Arjuna about the special eye reminds us of the importance of the witness. Through yoga, we cultivate this capacity to observe ourselves and the world without judgment. It is through this witness consciousness—paired with devotion and faith—that we can see our true potential and align our lives with our highest purpose. Then transformation is certain to occur.
Questions for Reflection
Where do I place my energy and concentration?
How much of what I devote myself (my time) to feels aligned with my growth and purpose?
How do I approach my yoga practice? Is there faith and devotion in it?
Do I trust in my heart that by doing these practices, good things will come?
The Gita invites us to reflect on what we truly serve. Devotion is not simply about discipline; it is about anchoring our faith in what matters most and allowing that faith to lead us toward the life we are meant to live. In practice, this can feel like tuning into the heart rather than the mind.
I’m reminded of a simple yet profound bit of guidance from an old Rodney Yee video I practiced with years ago. During savasana he said, “Let your brain sink into your heart on the waves of breath.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand why, but those words stirred something deep within me—a feeling I can now only describe as one of devotion.
When we bring undistracted devotion to our yoga practice, it becomes a sacred journey—a path not only to physical and mental wellness but also to the discovery of the divine within ourselves.
What do you have undistracted devotion toward? And are you ready to use the eye of the witness to see the truth of who you are and the vastness of your potential?
May the wisdom of the Gita inspire you to reflect, refocus, and bring faith-filled devotion to your yoga practice and your life.
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