...sa me priyah |

 It is common knowledge that there is an aptitude test, an eligibility test, or some sort of tests for pursuits of of higher knowledge, So also, Shree Krishna lays down some eligibility test, a prescribed qualification to attain to the knowledge of 'brahmn' (brahma vidya yogashastra), to attain to Him. Here, the Lord prescribes certain certain qualification to reach Him (BG. Ch. XII). These are: total devotion, equanimity, self-less service, humility, piety, dhyan and a constant contemplation. Further, it is stated that a person who is always happy and contented with what one possesses, who treats all as equals, and who do not have any likes and dislikes, love or hatred, and shows no emotion, pride, and undisturbed by success or failure, praise or abuses, established in one's self is said to be dear to Him. Moreover, there are verses in the Gita that specifically state that a person who sits in tranquil state in  a secluded place alone and does nothing but contemplation on brahmn is the dearest of all. Even a small desire lurking somewhere in the bottom of the mind will take such a devotee away from the Lord! Hence, lack of desire, disinterested in worldly sensuous life, rather, renunciation is called for. 

 Chapter XII of the Bhagavad-Gita describes the quality of people who are beloved of the Lord. Bhagavan Shree Krishna has clearly stated that His devotees are of focused mind, never swerve from Him. The verses that describe such devotees end with the words ... sa me priyah | meaning, they are dear to Me (see BG. Ch. XII. verses 14-20). It is important to note here how devotion (bhakti) with knowledge (jnyan) is more important than mere devotion. Mere devotion practiced as a habit is not enough or that effective. When a person realizes the meaning and purport of dhyana with total devotion the exercise becomes more effective and fruitful. However, acquiring jnyan is not easy. It requires an attained person, a guru, to initiate the devotee with the mantra (diksha). The devotee has to contemplate on the desired object, preferably, the Atman.in order to gain 'atma-jnyan'. It releases such a learned devotee from the shackles of rebirth. First, it should be realized that the earth is a death-knell and all that is born here has to deteriorate, die, and decay. The nashvara jiva should realize the illusory nature of the world and develop an aversion to sensuous worldly life. There is no other way than to desist from worldly interests, Knowledge should lead to wisdom and finally, renunciation. It is this renunciation that releases the jiva from the bondage, the cycle of rebirth in this mrutyu loka. The immortal Atman that has got embodied in an elemental mortal body realizes its mistake and craves for release and, hence, this craving for liberation, mukti, moksha.