Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 12 Bhakti Yogah

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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सम: शत्रौ च मित्रे च तथा मानापमानयो: |
शीतोष्णसुखदु:खेषु सम: सङ्गविवर्जित: ||18||

He who is the same to friend and foe, and in honor and dishonor, in heat and cold, in pleasure and pain, and who is free from attachment,

Sangavivarjita: Free from attachment.
Samata: Equanimity in dualities.

The balanced devotee transcends external dualities, such as honor and dishonor. This commentary underscores how detachment from societal opinions leads to unwavering focus on the divine.

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तुल्यनिन्दास्तुतिर्मौनी सन्तुष्टो येन केनचित् |
अनिकेत: स्थिरमतिर्भक्तिमान्मे प्रियो नर: ||19||

He who is indifferent to praise and censure, silent, content with anything, homeless, of a steady mind, full of devotion—he is dear to Me.

Aniketa: Homeless or unattached to a dwelling.
Mouna: Silence as a virtue.

The devotee’s indifference to material possessions and praise reflects profound stability. This commentary connects such detachment to a higher sense of freedom and alignment with spiritual values.

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