Verse 9.30

Verse 9.30: “Even if a person of extremely evil conduct were to be taken himself unto Me, seeking refuge in none else, he is to be reckoned as quite a good person, for he has taken the right resolution. (415)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

One that worships Me with such undivided devotion never returns to fleshly existence again, albeit he belongs to the lowest caste. Oh great warrior, even the worst of sinners betaking himself to the path of devotion at the close of his life, ascends to the raised seat of devotion. Indeed life to come hereafter is shaped by the Soul’s condition at the end of past life. Therefore, one who at the end of his life, gives himself up in devotional surrender to Me, though he be of evil ways in the past, is regenerated thereby (on account of the sanctifying power of his devotion). Like one drowned in floods and (subsequently) emerging safe from them, are they who were really drowned, but washed their sins and evil life by their devotional state at the end (of past life). Therefore, one of corrupt ways, taking bath in the holy waters of repentance, and surrendering himself unto My being in complete devotion, has indeed been joined to Me. The race of such a one is pure and holy: so his family is made spotless and he himself has realized the highest goal of his life. He is to Me a person learned, he has practised religious austerities, and the eight-fold Yoga-discipline. Enough of this now, Oh Partha. Indeed whoever is full of devotion and love for Me, is purged of all taint of worldly life and action, for all his mind’s acts and reason are rolled into an unflinching faith in Me and surrendered unto Me.