The Yoga of Devotion

Krishna provides another alternative for those who find even practice difficult. 'Abhyāse 'py asamartho 'si'—if you are unable (asamarthas asi) even (api) in practice (abhyāse). 'Mat-karma-paramo bhava'—be devoted (paramaḥ bhava) to actions for Me (mat-karma). 'Mad-artham api karmāṇi kurvan siddhim avāpsyasi'—by performing actions (karmāṇi kurvan) for My sake (mad-artham), you will attain (avāpsyasi) perfection (siddhim). This verse offers the path of Karma Yoga (selfless action) as an alternative. If you can't practice meditation or focus, you can serve. Perform actions for Krishna's sake, without attachment to results. This is another accessible path: devotion through action. Verse 12.11 will provide yet another alternative, showing Krishna's compassion in offering multiple ways to reach the same goal.