Chapter 7, Verse 21: The Universal Nature of Faith

This verse reveals Krishna's compassionate response to sincere devotion, regardless of the specific form or path chosen by the devotee.

Sanskrit Text

यो यो यां यां तनुं भक्तः श्रद्धयार्चितुमिच्छति।
तस्य तस्याचलां श्रद्धां तामेव विदधाम्यहम्॥

Transliteration

yo yo yāṁ yāṁ tanuṁ bhaktaḥ śraddhayārcitum icchati
tasya tasyācalāṁ śraddhāṁ tām eva vidadhāmy aham

Translation

Whatever form a devotee wants to worship with faith, I make that very faith of theirs steady and unwavering.

The Divine Promise

This verse contains a profound promise about the nature of divine grace:

Universal Acceptance

• The Divine accepts sincere worship in any form
• No particular path or deity is rejected
• What matters is the sincerity of faith (śraddhā)

Divine Support

• Krishna strengthens the faith of sincere devotees
• The Divine works through whatever form attracts the devotee
• Steadiness (acalā) is granted to genuine spiritual seeking

The Role of Faith

Śraddhā (faith) here means:

• Trust in the divine process
• Confidence in spiritual practice
• Unwavering commitment to growth
• Heart-centered devotion

Understanding Religious Plurality

This verse is often cited as evidence of the Gita's inclusive approach:

Different Forms, Same Source

• Various deities are manifestations of one Divine
• Different religions can lead to the same truth
• Personal connection matters more than external form

The Importance of Sincerity

• Half-hearted practice lacks divine support
• Sincere faith in any form receives grace
• The devotee's intention determines the response

Practical Applications

In Personal Practice

• Choose a spiritual practice that resonates with you
• Maintain consistency even when motivation wavers
• Trust that sincere effort receives divine support

In Interfaith Understanding

• Respect others' chosen forms of worship
• Recognize the same divine source in different traditions
• Focus on the quality of faith rather than its form

In Times of Doubt

• Remember that divine grace supports sincere seeking
• Steady practice deepens faith over time
• Trust the process even when results aren't immediately visible

The Psychology of Faith

How Faith Grows Stronger

1. Regular Practice: Consistency builds momentum
2. Community Support: Like-minded companions strengthen resolve
3. Study and Reflection: Understanding deepens commitment
4. Personal Experience: Direct spiritual experience confirms faith

When Faith Wavers

• Recognize doubt as a natural part of spiritual growth
• Return to basic practices that once brought peace
• Seek guidance from trusted teachers or texts
• Remember past experiences of divine grace

The Greater Teaching

This verse points to several deeper truths:

Divine Omnipresence

• The Divine is present in all sincere spiritual seeking
• No genuine path is outside divine influence
• All forms of worship ultimately reach the same source

Human Freedom

• We have the freedom to choose our spiritual path
• The Divine respects our choices and preferences
• Spiritual growth happens through voluntary engagement

Grace and Effort

• Divine grace supports human effort
• Sincere practice invites divine response
• Faith is both our contribution and divine gift

Modern Relevance

In our pluralistic world, this verse offers valuable guidance:

• Religious Tolerance: Understanding that different paths can be equally valid
• Personal Spirituality: Permission to find what works for you
• Faith Development: Confidence that sincere seeking is always supported

"The Divine meets us wherever we are, in whatever form calls to our heart. What matters is not the path we choose, but the sincerity with which we walk it."