The Yoga of Devotion

Krishna continues describing the qualities of devotees, emphasizing internal qualities. 'Santuṣṭaḥ satataṁ yogī'—always content (santuṣṭaḥ satatam), a yogi (yogī). 'Yatātmā dṛḍha-niścayaḥ'—self-controlled (yatātmā), firm in determination (dṛḍha-niścayaḥ). 'Mayy arpita-mano-buddhiḥ'—with mind and intellect dedicated (arpita-mano-buddhiḥ) to Me (mayi). 'Yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ'—who (yaḥ) is My devotee (mad-bhaktaḥ), he (saḥ) is dear (priyaḥ) to Me (me). This verse emphasizes contentment, self-control, firm determination, and complete dedication. The key phrase is 'mayy arpita-mano-buddhiḥ'—mind and intellect dedicated to Krishna. When you dedicate your mind and intellect completely, you naturally become content, self-controlled, and firm. The result is clear: such a devotee is dear to Krishna.