ये तु धर्म्यामृतमिदं यथोक्तं पर्युपासते ।
श्रद्धधाना मत्परमा भक्तास्तेऽतीव मे प्रियाः ।। १२.२० ।।

ye tu dharmāmṛtam-idaṁ yathoktaṁ paryupāsate |
śraddadhānā mat-paramā bhaktās-te’tīva me priyāḥ || 12.20 ||

In conclusion, Krishna adds that his description of the ‘dear devotee’ and ‘essence of devotional life’ constitutes a full-fledged dharma, meaning a code of conduct or pursuit which has the capacity to sustain and enrich human life on earth. For one given to follow this dharma, no other aid, assistance or reinforcement is needed. Those who take to this with love, affinity, assiduousness and piety are extremely virtuous and dear to the Supreme, he assures (12.20).

This marks the conclusion of the second phase (Chapters 7 to 12) of Krishna’s instructions in the Kurukshetra battlefield. This section is rich in devotional elements as against the earlier subtle philosophical dissertations.

Like the preceding sthita-prajna description (2.55-72) and the following gunatita description (14.22-26), this exposition on who is a true and dear devotee also stands distinct and unique, to be specially reflected upon. It is a touch-stone for all spiritual seekers and devotees any time anywhere. Its special note is that the whole description relates directly to devotee’s mind and intelligence, showing clearly what should be their character and behaviour in actual life, making devotional life an adorable and effective interactional sadhana.