Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 12 Bhakti Yogah

अथैतदप्यशक्तोऽसि कर्तुं मद्योगमाश्रित: |
सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं तत: कुरु यतात्मवान् ||11||

If you are unable to do even this, then taking refuge in Me, renounce the fruits of all actions with self-control.

Phala: The fruits or results of actions.
Tyaga: Renunciation or detachment.

Renunciation of the fruits of action becomes a practical path for those unable to commit fully to devotion or practice. This commentary connects renunciation with inner peace and spiritual detachment.

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Bhakti Yogah - Knowledge is superior to practice; meditation excels knowledge; renunciation of the fruits of actions excels meditation; peace immediately follows renunciation.

श्रेयो हि ज्ञानमभ्यासाज्ज्ञानाद्ध्यानं विशिष्यते |
ध्यानात्कर्मफलत्यागस्त्यागाच्छान्तिरनन्तरम् ||12||

Knowledge is superior to practice; meditation excels knowledge; renunciation of the fruits of actions excels meditation; peace immediately follows renunciation.

Jnana: Knowledge or wisdom.
Dhyanam: Meditation as a spiritual practice.

Krishna prioritizes knowledge, meditation, and renunciation, showing the hierarchy of spiritual practices. This commentary integrates these elements, highlighting how each complements the other in achieving tranquility.

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Bhakti Yogah - He who has no hatred for any creature, who is friendly and compassionate, free from attachment and egoism, balanced in pleasure and pain, and forgiving,

अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्र: करुण एव च |
निर्ममो निरहङ्कार: समदु:खसुख: क्षमी ||13||

He who has no hatred for any creature, who is friendly and compassionate, free from attachment and egoism, balanced in pleasure and pain, and forgiving,

Adveshta: One free from hatred.
Karuna: Compassion for all beings.

Krishna outlines qualities of an ideal devotee, emphasizing non-hatred, compassion, and humility. This commentary broadens the perspective by connecting these attributes to the essence of true devotion.

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Bhakti Yogah - Ever-content, steady in meditation, self-controlled, and possessed of firm conviction, with mind and intellect fixed on Me—such a devotee is dear to Me.

सन्तुष्ट: सततं योगी यतात्मा दृढनिश्चय: |
मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्यो मद्भक्त: स मे प्रिय: ||14||

Ever-content, steady in meditation, self-controlled, and possessed of firm conviction, with mind and intellect fixed on Me—such a devotee is dear to Me.

Santushta: Contentment or satisfaction.
Dridhanishchaya: Firm determination or resolve.

The steadfast devotee is portrayed as self-controlled, unwavering, and content. This commentary elaborates on how such qualities naturally arise from consistent focus on the divine.

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यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च य: |
हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो य: स च मे प्रिय: ||15||

He by whom the world is not agitated, and who cannot be agitated by the world, who is free from joy, envy, fear, and anxiety—he is dear to Me.

Udvijate: To be agitated or disturbed.
Bhaya: Fear or anxiety.

Krishna describes a devotee who neither disturbs nor is disturbed by the world. This commentary links such equanimity to detachment from worldly reactions, paving the way for inner peace.

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अनपेक्ष: शुचिर्दक्ष उदासीनो गतव्यथ: |
सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी यो मद्भक्त: स मे प्रिय: ||16||

He who is free from desires, pure, skillful, impartial, free from worries, renounces all undertakings—such a devotee is dear to Me.

Shuchi: Purity in thought and action.
Daksha: Skillfulness or capability.

The self-sufficient devotee renounces ego and initiates no action for selfish gains. This commentary focuses on the purity of such a devotee’s motives, showcasing spiritual independence.

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यो न हृष्यति न द्वेष्टि न शोचति न काङ् क्षति |
शुभाशुभपरित्यागी भक्तिमान्य: स मे प्रिय: ||17||

He who neither rejoices, hates, grieves, nor desires, renouncing both good and evil, full of devotion—he is dear to Me.

Shubha: Auspiciousness or goodness.
Ashubha: Inauspiciousness or evil.

Krishna highlights the absence of attachment to dualities like joy and sorrow. This commentary deepens the understanding of equanimity as a natural outcome of self-realization and devotion.

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