योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् - Introduction to Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9

The ninth chapter, situated in the middle of the Bhagavad Gita, holds significant importance in various aspects. Shri Krishna himself highlights the importance of it by calling it राजविद्या राजगुह्यं, which translates to the most secret knowledge or the king of all knowledge. In addition to राजविद्या राजगुह्यं, the first two Shlokas of this chapter add several other adjectives that emphasize the importance of the knowledge taught here. Moreover, this chapter not only imparts knowledge (ज्ञान) but also provides practical methods for applying it in our daily lives, enabling us to transform knowledge into a living experience (विज्ञान). Additionally, Shri Krishna himself makes two of the most important promises to followers of the spiritual paths. One, योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम्, meaning he will protect what they have and provide what they need, both spiritually and materially. Second, न मे भक्त: प्रणश्यति, meaning his devotees never perish. This way, if we single-pointedly focus on the spiritual path, Shri Krishna not only protects us and provides us with what we need, but he also ensures that we never drift away from the spiritual path we have embarked on, ensuring attainment of the ultimate goal of self-realization. We must seize this opportunity and absorb the knowledge and daily practices from this chapter, along with the promises made by Shri Krishna, to propel ourselves on the spiritual path and ultimately reach the supreme abode of Shri Krishna.