Chapter 12: Bhakti Yoga
Gita GPS: Chapter 12, Bhakti Yoga, brings the teaching into the language of love, steady practice, and the qualities of a dear devotee.
- Shlokas 1-12: Krishna compares worship of the personal and impersonal Divine and gives practical steps toward God-realization.
- Shlokas 13-20: Krishna describes the qualities of the devotee who is dear to Him.
Shlokas 1-12
Respective merits of the worshippers of God with Form and without Form, and the means of God-realization.
Reflective Prompt:When starting a spiritual or mindful practice, do you find it easier to concentrate on a concrete focus (like an image, sound, or guide) or on an abstract concept (like space, silence, or the formless)?
- ▪Option 1:A concrete focus—it gives my mind a clear anchor and path of devotion (Bhakti).
- ▪Option 2:An abstract concept—it feels more open and free from limited shapes (Gyan/Vigyan).
Verse 01
अर्जुन उवाच
। एवं सततयुक्ता ये भक्तास्त्वां पर्युपासते | | ये चाप्यक्षरमव्यक्तं तेषां के योगवित्तमाः | | १२-१ | |
arjuna uvācha evaṁ satatayuktā ye bhaktāstvāṁ paryupāsate ye chāpyakṣharamavyaktaṁ teṣhāṁ ke yogavittamāḥ
- अर्जुन
(Arjuna)— हे अर्जुन(Arjuna said) - उवाच
(uvacha)— बोले(Arjuna said) - एवम्
(evam)— इस प्रकार(thus) - सतत-युक्तह्
(satata-yuktah)— एवेर्-स्तेअद्फस्त्(ever-steadfast) - ये
(ye)— जो(those devotees who) - भक्ताः
(bhaktah)— भक्त(those devotees who) - त्वाम्
(tvam)— आपको(worship You) - पर्युपासते
(paryupasate)— भली भांति उपासना करते हैं(worship You)
- ये
(ye)— जो(and those who also) - च
(cha)— और(and those who also) - अपि
(api)— भी(and those who also) - अक्षरम्
(aksharam)— अविनाशी(the imperishable, unmanifest) - अव्यक्तम्
(avyaktam)— अव्यक्त(the imperishable, unmanifest) - तेषाम्
(tesham)— उनके लिए(of them) - के
(ke)— कौन(who) - योग-वित्तमह्
(yoga-vittamah)— बेस्त् जानने वाले का योग(best knowers of Yoga)
English:Arjuna said: Krishna, who understands Yoga better: those who worship You in a personal form, or those who worship the formless, everlasting truth?
Arjuna asks which path is superior: worship of the personal Divine with form, or worship of the unmanifest and formless. This question helps clarify the most practical route for seekers starting their spiritual journey.
- Form vs Formless:: Understanding the distinction between concrete and abstract meditation paths helps guide our practice.
- Seeking the Best Path:: Arjuna's question focuses on finding the path that is most effective and aligned with human nature.
Verse 02
श्रीभगवानुवाच
। मय्यावेश्य मनो ये मां नित्ययुक्ता उपासते | | श्रद्धया परयोपेताः ते मे युक्ततमा मताः | | १२-२ | |
śhrī bhagavān uvācha mayyāveśhya mano ye māṁ nityayuktā upāsate śhraddhayā parayopetāḥ te me yuktatamā matāḥ
- श्री
(Sri)— श्री(the Blessed Lord said) - भगवन्
(Bhagavan)— हे भगवान्(the Blessed Lord said) - उवाच
(uvacha)— बोले(the Blessed Lord said) - मयि
(mayi)— मुझमें(in Me) - आवेश्य
(aveshya)— स्थापित करके(fixing the mind) - मनः
(manah)— मन को(fixing the mind) - ये
(ye)— जो(those who) - माम्
(mam)— मुझे(Me) - नित्य-युक्ताः
(nitya-yuktah)— सदा जुड़े हुए(ever-steadfast) - उपासते
(upasate)— उपासना करते हैं(worship)
- श्रद्धया
(shraddhaya)— श्रद्धा से(endowed with supreme faith) - परया
(paraya)— श्रेष्ठ(endowed with supreme faith) - उपेताः
(upetah)— युक्त(endowed with supreme faith) - ते
(te)— वे(they) - मे
(me)— मेरा(are considered by Me) - मताः
(matah)— माने गए(are considered by Me) - युक्ततमाः
(yuktatamah)— सबसे अधिक युक्त(the best among yogis)
English:Krishna said: Those who keep their minds fixed on Me, who worship Me always with unwavering faith and concentration; these are the very best.
Krishna states that those who fix their minds on Him with supreme faith and constant devotion are the most perfectly united in yoga. This emphasizes that personal connection (Bhakti) is highly accessible and effective.
- Steadfast Focus:: Keeping the mind anchored on a personal form of the Divine provides a stable focus.
- Supreme Faith:: Unwavering faith acts as a powerful fuel that accelerates the seeker's progress.
Verse 03
ये त्वक्षरमनिर्देश्यमव्यक्तं पर्युपासते । | सर्वत्रगमचिन्त्यञ्च कूटस्थमचलन्ध्रुवम् | | १२-३ | |
ye tvakṣharamanirdeśhyamavyaktaṁ paryupāsate sarvatragamachintyañcha kūṭasthamachalandhruvam
- ये
(ye)— जो(but those who) - तु
(tu)— लेकिन(but those who) - अक्षरम्
(aksharam)— अविनाशी(the imperishable) - अनिर्देश्यम्
(anirdeshyam)— थे इन्देफिनब्ले(the indefinable) - अव्यक्तम्
(avyaktam)— अव्यक्त(the unmanifest) - पर्युपासते
(paryupasate)— भली भांति उपासना करते हैं(worship)
- सर्वत्र-गम्
(sarvatra-gam)— अल्ल्-पेर्वदिन्ग्(all-pervading) - अचिन्त्यम्
(achintyam)— और थे उन्थिन्कब्ले(and the unthinkable) - च
(cha)— और(and the unthinkable) - कुतस्थम्
(kutastham)— उन्चन्गिन्ग्(unchanging) - अचलम्
(achalam)— इम्मोवब्ले और एतेर्नल्(immovable and eternal) - ध्रुवम्
(dhruvam)— इम्मोवब्ले और एतेर्नल्(immovable and eternal)
English:Those who worship the formless truth with steady self-control and care for all beings also reach Me.
Those who worship the imperishable, indefinable, unmanifest, all-pervading, unthinkable, and unchanging reality also reach the Supreme. This confirms that the path of formless Gyan is equally valid.
- Formless Path:: The ultimate reality can be approached as an abstract, all-pervading consciousness.
- Equal Destination:: Regardless of whether one chooses form or formless, both paths lead to the same supreme destination.
Reflective Prompt:Why is the path of the formless, unmanifest Divine considered more difficult for most people?
- ▪Option 1:Because the human intellect cannot easily grasp or form an emotional connection with something indefinable.
- ▪Option 2:Because it requires absolute sensory control and renunciation from the very beginning.
Verse 04
सन्नियम्येन्द्रियग्रामं सर्वत्र समबुद्धयः । | ते प्राप्नुवन्ति मामेव सर्वभूतहिते रताः | | १२-४ | |
sanniyamyendriyagrāmaṁ sarvatra samabuddhayaḥ te prāpnuvanti māmeva sarvabhūtahite ratāḥ
- संनियम्य
(sanniyamya)— संयम करके(controlling) - इन्द्रिय-ग्रमम्
(indriya-gramam)— सभी थे इंद्रियां(all the senses) - सर्वत्र
(sarvatra)— हर जगह(everywhere) - सम-बुद्धयह्
(sama-buddhayah)— एवेन्-मिन्देद्(even-minded)
- ते
(te)— वे(they) - प्राप्नुवन्ति
(prapnuvanti)— प्राप्त करते हैं(attain) - माम्
(mam)— मुझे(Me alone) - एव
(eva)— ही(Me alone) - सर्व-भुत-हिते
(sarva-bhuta-hite)— में थे कल्याण का सभी प्राणियों(in the welfare of all beings) - रताः
(ratah)— लगे हुए(actively engaged)
English:They control their senses, treat all situations evenly, work for the good of all beings, and surely come to Me.
Seekers of the formless must control their senses, maintain equanimity in all conditions, and actively work for the welfare of all beings. This links abstract contemplation with practical compassion.
- Control of Senses:: Meditation on the unmanifest requires complete mastery over sensory distractions.
- Universal Welfare:: True spiritual realization is demonstrated by serving the well-being of all living creatures.
Verse 05
क्लेशोऽधिकतरस्तेषामव्यक्तासक्तचेतसाम् । | अव्यक्ता हि गतिर्दुःखं देहवद्भिरवाप्यते | | १२-५ | |
kleśho’dhikatarasteṣhāmavyaktāsaktachetasām avyaktā hi gatirduḥkhaṁ dehavadbhiravāpyate
- क्लेशह्
(kleshah)— दिफ्फिचुल्त्य् या त्रोउब्ले(difficulty or trouble) - अधिकतरह्
(adhikatarah)— ग्रेअतेर्(greater) - तेषाम्
(tesham)— उनके लिए(for those) - अव्यक्त-असक्त-चेतसम्
(avyakta-asakta-chetasam)— व्होसे मिन्द्स् हैं अत्तचेद् को थे अव्यक्त(whose minds are attached to the unmanifest) - अव्यक्त
(avyakta)— के लिए थे अव्यक्त गोअल्(for the unmanifest goal)
- हि
(hi)— निश्चय ही(for the unmanifest goal) - गतिः
(gatih)— लक्ष्य(for the unmanifest goal) - दुःखम्
(duhkham)— दुःख(with pain or difficulty) - देहवद्भिह्
(dehavadbhih)— ब्य् थे एम्बोदिएद् प्राणियों(by the embodied beings) - अवप्यते
(avapyate)— इस् रेअचेद्(is reached)
English:The formless path is harder for people with bodies and minds, because it is difficult to focus on what cannot be seen.
Krishna explains that the path of formless meditation is extremely difficult for embodied beings, as focusing on an unmanifest concept is contrary to our natural sensory orientation.
- Obstacles of the Formless:: Embodied humans naturally think in shapes and symbols; formless contemplation requires intense effort.
- Practical Choice:: Acknowledge your human limitations and choose a path that matches your current capacity.
Verse 06
ये तु सर्वाणि कर्माणि मयि संन्यस्य मत्परः । | अनन्येनैव योगेन मां ध्यायन्त उपासते | | १२-६ | |
ye tu sarvāṇi karmāṇi mayi saṁnyasya matparaḥ ananyenaiva yogena māṁ dhyāyanta upāsate
- ये
(ye)— जो(but those who) - तु
(tu)— लेकिन(but those who) - सर्वाणि
(sarvani)— सभी(all actions) - कर्माणि
(karmani)— कर्म(all actions) - मयि
(mayi)— मुझमें(dedicating or surrendering to Me) - सन्न्यस्य
(sannyasya)— देदिचतिन्ग् या सुर्रेन्देरिन्ग् को मुझे(dedicating or surrendering to Me) - मत्-परह्
(mat-parah)— कीपिन्ग् मुझे अस् थे सुप्रेमे गोअल्(keeping Me as the supreme goal)
- अनन्येन
(ananyena)— से सिन्ग्ले-मिन्देद् भक्ति(with single-minded devotion) - एव
(eva)— ही(with single-minded devotion) - योगेन
(yogena)— योग से(with single-minded devotion) - माम्
(mam)— मुझे(on Me) - ध्ययन्तह्
(dhyayantah)— मेदिततिन्ग्(meditating) - उपासते
(upasate)— उपासना करते हैं(worship)
English:Those who offer all actions to Me, keep Me as their highest goal, and worship Me with single-minded devotion,
For those who dedicate all actions to the Supreme, meditate on Him with undivided devotion, and surrender their goals, the spiritual journey becomes smooth and protected.
- Sacralizing Work:: Perform every duty as an offering to the Divine, converting work into a continuous Yajna.
- Undivided Devotion:: Cultivate a single-focused relationship of love that guides all your thoughts and deeds.
Reflective Prompt:If you cannot keep your mind perfectly and constantly focused on a single higher goal, what is your fallback approach?
- ▪Option 1:Repeatedly bring the mind back whenever it wanders (Abhyasa-yoga).
- ▪Option 2:Perform actions dedicated to the goal, or surrender the results altogether.
Verse 07
तेषामहं समुद्धर्ता मृत्युसंसारसागरात् । | भवामि नचिरात्पार्थ मय्यावेशितचेतसाम् | | १२-७ | |
teṣhāmahaṁ samuddhartā mṛityusaṁsārasāgarāt bhavāmi nachirātpārtha mayyāveśhitachetasām
- तेषाम्
(tesham)— उनके लिए(for them) - अहम्
(aham)— मैं(I) - समुद्धर्त
(samuddharta)— थे सविओर्(the savior) - म्रित्यु-सम्सर-सगरत्
(mrityu-samsara-sagarat)— से थे ओचेअन् का देअथ्-बोउन्द् एxइस्तेन्चे(from the ocean of death-bound existence)
- भवमि
(bhavami)— मैं बेचोमे(I become) - न
(na)— नहीं(quickly or without delay) - चिरत्
(chirat)— qउइच्क्ल्य् या विथोउत् देलय्(quickly or without delay) - पार्थ
(Partha)— हे पार्थ अर्जुन(Arjuna) - मयि
(mayi)— मुझमें(in Me) - अवेशित-चेतसम्
(aveshita-chetasam)— का वे व्होसे मिन्द्स् हैं अब्सोर्बेद्(of those whose minds are absorbed)
English:Arjuna, I rescue them from the ocean of life and death, for their minds are fixed on Me.
Krishna promises to swiftly deliver these devoted souls from the ocean of birth and death, because their minds are fully absorbed in Him.
- Divine Deliverance:: Surrendering to the Supreme activates divine grace, which carries the soul across life's struggles.
- Absorption of Mind:: The safety of the seeker is guaranteed when the mind is constantly resting in the Divine presence.
Verse 08
मय्येव मन आधत्स्व मयि बुद्धिं निवेशय । | निवसिष्यसि मय्येव अत ऊर्ध्वं न संशयः | | १२-८ | |
mayyeva mana ādhatsva mayi buddhiṁ niveśhaya nivasiṣhyasi mayyeva ata ūrdhvaṁ na saṁśhayaḥ
- मयि
(mayi)— मुझमें(in Me alone) - एव
(eva)— ही(in Me alone) - मनः
(manah)— मन को(fix your mind) - अधत्स्व
(adhatsva)— फिx योउर् मन(fix your mind) - मयि
(mayi)— मुझमें(in Me) - बुद्धिम्
(buddhim)— लेत् योउर् इन्तेल्लेच्त् एन्तेर् या रेस्त्(let your intellect enter or rest) - निवेशय
(niveshaya)— लेत् योउर् इन्तेल्लेच्त् एन्तेर् या रेस्त्(let your intellect enter or rest)
- निवसिश्यसि
(nivasishyasi)— आप शल्ल् लिवे(you shall live) - मयि
(mayi)— मुझमें(in Me alone) - एव
(eva)— ही(in Me alone) - अतः
(atah)— इसलिए(hereafter) - उर्ध्वम्
(urdhvam)— हेरेअफ्तेर्(hereafter) - न
(na)— नहीं(there is no doubt) - सन्शयह्
(sanshayah)— थेरे इस् नो दोउब्त्(there is no doubt)
English:Then let your mind cling only to Me, let your intellect abide in Me; and without doubt you will live hereafter in Me alone.
Krishna advises Arjuna to fix his mind and place his intellect in the Supreme alone. By doing so, he will surely dwell in the Divine hereafter.
- Fixing the Mind:: Direct your thoughts and emotional energy toward the highest reality.
- Surrendered Intellect:: Align your decision-making and reason with spiritual values to experience permanent peace.
Verse 09
अथ चित्तं समाधातुं न शक्नोषि मयि स्थिरम् । | अभ्यासयोगेन ततो मामिच्छाप्तुं धनञ्जय | | १२-९ | |
atha chittaṁ samādhātuṁ na śhaknoṣhi mayi sthiram abhyāsayogena tato māmichchhāptuṁ dhanañjaya
- अथ
(atha)— और(if) - चित्तम्
(chittam)— थे मन(the mind) - समधतुम्
(samadhatum)— आप हैं उनब्ले को फिx स्तेअदिल्य्(you are unable to fix steadily) - न
(na)— नहीं(you are unable to fix steadily) - शक्नोशि
(shaknoshi)— आप हैं उनब्ले को फिx स्तेअदिल्य्(you are unable to fix steadily) - मयि
(mayi)— मुझमें(firmly on Me) - स्थिरम्
(sthiram)— फिर्म्ल्य् पर मुझे(firmly on Me)
- अभ्यस-योगेन
(abhyasa-yogena)— ब्य् थे योग का प्रच्तिचे(by the Yoga of practice) - ततः
(tatah)— तब(then) - माम्
(mam)— मुझे(Me) - इच्च
(iccha)— इच्छा(desire) - अप्तुम्
(aptum)— को रेअच्(to reach) - धनञ्जय
(Dhananjaya)— हे धनञ्जय अर्जुन(Arjuna)
English:If you cannot keep your mind firmly on Me, then practice again and again, and try to reach Me that way.
If you cannot fix your mind steadily, then seek to reach the Supreme through the yoga of constant practice (Abhyasa-yoga). This provides a practical path of training.
- Yoga of Practice:: A wandering mind is normal; use daily, gentle practice (Abhyasa) to train it to return.
- Patience in Training:: Be patient with yourself; spiritual habits are built step-by-step through consistent repetition.
Verse 10
अभ्यासेऽप्यसमर्थोऽसि मत्कर्मपरमो भव । | मदर्थमपि कर्माणि कुर्वन्सिद्धिमवाप्स्यसि | | १२-१० | |
abhyāse’pyasamartho’si matkarmaparamo bhava madarthamapi karmāṇi kurvansiddhimavāpsyasi
- अभ्यसे
(abhyase)— एवेन् में प्रच्तिचे(even in practice)
- अपि
(api)— भी(even in practice) - असमर्थह्
(asamarthah)— आप हैं उनब्ले(you are unable) - असि
(asi)— तुम हो(you are unable) - मत्-कर्म-परमह्
(mat-karma-paramah)— बे इन्तेन्त् पर दोइन्ग् वोर्क् के लिए मुझे(be intent on doing work for Me) - भव
(bhava)— बनो(be intent on doing work for Me) - मत्-अर्थम्
(mat-artham)— एवेन् के लिए म्य् सके(even for My sake) - अपि
(api)— भी(even for My sake) - कर्माणि
(karmani)— कर्म(performing actions) - कुर्वन्
(kurvan)— पेर्फोर्मिन्ग् अच्तिओन्स्(performing actions) - सिद्धिम्
(siddhim)— पेर्फेच्तिओन्(perfection) - अवप्स्यसि
(avapsyasi)— आप शल्ल् प्राप्त करते हैं(you shall attain)
English:And if you are not strong enough to practise concentration, then devote yourself to My service, do all yours acts for My sake, and you will still reach the goal.
If you are unable to practice consistently, dedicate your actions to the Supreme. By performing work for the sake of the Divine, you will still achieve perfection.
- Work for the Divine:: If meditation is difficult, focus on performing your daily duties as service to the Supreme.
- Action as Service:: Dedicating your energy to a higher purpose purifies the mind and leads to liberation.
Verse 11
अथैतदप्यशक्तोऽसि कर्तुं मद्योगमाश्रितः । | सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं ततः कुरु यतात्मवान् | | १२-११ | |
athaitadapyaśhakto’si kartuṁ madyogamāśhritaḥ sarvakarmaphalatyāgaṁ tataḥ kuru yatātmavān
- अथ
(atha)— और(if) - एतत्
(etat)— यह(even this) - अपि
(api)— भी(even this) - अशक्तह्
(ashaktah)— आप हैं उनब्ले(you are unable) - असि
(asi)— तुम हो(you are unable) - कर्तुम्
(kartum)— करने में(to do) - मद्-योगम्
(mad-yogam)— तकिन्ग् रेफुगे में उनिओन् से मुझे(taking refuge in union with Me) - आश्रिताः
(ashritah)— आश्रित होकर(taking refuge in union with Me)
- सर्व-कर्म-फल-त्यगम्
(sarva-karma-phala-tyagam)— रेनुन्चिअतिओन् का थे फ्रुइत्स् का सभी अच्तिओन्स्(renunciation of the fruits of all actions) - ततः
(tatah)— तब(then perform) - कुरु
(kuru)— थेन् पेर्फोर्म्(then perform) - यत-अत्मवन्
(yata-atmavan)— से चोन्त्रोल्लेद् मन(with controlled mind)
English:And if you are too weak even for this, then seek refuge in union with Me, and with perfect self-control renounce the result of your action.
If you cannot even work for the Supreme, then take refuge in yoga and renounce the fruits of all actions with a self-controlled mind.
- Renouncing Fruits:: Perform your duties without anxiety about the final result or personal reward.
- Inner Freedom:: Letting go of attachment to outcomes brings immediate freedom and peace of mind.
Reflective Prompt:What quality do you think is most important for maintaining peace in your relationships with others?
- ▪Option 1:Being free from hatred, friendly, compassionate, and forgiving to all.
- ▪Option 2:Being independent, successful, and setting firm boundaries.
Verse 12
श्रेयो हि ज्ञानमभ्यासाज्ज्ञानाद्ध्यानं विशिष्यते । | ध्यानात्कर्मफलत्यागस्त्यागाच्छान्तिरनन्तरम् | | १२-१२ | |
śhreyo hi jñānamabhyāsājjñānāddhyānaṁ viśhiṣhyate dhyānātkarmaphalatyāgastyāgāchchhāntiranantaram
- श्रेयह्
(shreyah)— श्रेष्ठ(better) - हि
(hi)— निश्चय ही(indeed) - ज्ञानम्
(jnanam)— ज्ञान(knowledge) - अभ्यसत्
(abhyasat)— थन् प्रच्तिचे(than practice) - ज्ञनत्
(jnanat)— थन् क्नोव्लेद्गे(than knowledge) - ध्यनम्
(dhyanam)— मेदिततिओन्(meditation) - विशिश्यते
(vishishyate)— इस् सुपेरिओर्(is superior)
- ध्यनत्
(dhyanat)— थन् मेदिततिओन्(than meditation) - कर्म-फल-त्यगह्
(karma-phala-tyagah)— रेनुन्चिअतिओन् का थे फ्रुइत्स् का अच्तिओन्(renunciation of the fruits of action) - त्यगत्
(tyagat)— से सुच् रेनुन्चिअतिओन्(from such renunciation) - शन्तिह्
(shantih)— पेअचे इम्मेदिअतेल्य् फोल्लोव्स्(peace immediately follows) - अनन्तरम्
(anantaram)— पेअचे इम्मेदिअतेल्य् फोल्लोव्स्(peace immediately follows)
English:Knowledge is superior to blind action, meditation to mere knowledge, letting go of the result of action to meditation, and where there is letting go peace will follow.
Knowledge (Gyan) is better than mechanical practice; meditation is superior to knowledge; and renunciation of the fruits of action is superior to meditation, for peace immediately follows such renunciation.
### Shlokas 13-20 **Marks of the God-realized soul.**
- Worship with Form is more natural:: Concentrating on the unmanifest is hard for embodied beings, while devotion to a personal Divine is more accessible.
- Krishna offers multiple levels of practice:: If you cannot keep your mind steadily fixed on the Divine, try regular practice. If that is too hard, perform all actions for the Divine. If even that is too hard, simply surrender the fruits of your actions.
- Surrender brings immediate peace:: Giving up the anxiety about results is a powerful path to inner peace.
- Knowledge, meditation, and surrender are connected:: Letting go of the fruits of action is exalted because it directly leads to peace of mind.
Shlokas 13-20
Marks of the God-realized soul.
Verse 13
अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्रः करुण एव च । | निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः समदुःखसुखः क्षमी | | १२-१३ | |
adveṣhṭā sarvabhūtānāṁ maitraḥ karuṇa eva cha nirmamo nirahaṅkāraḥ samaduḥkhasukhaḥ kṣhamī
- अद्वेश्त
(adveshta)— फ्री से हत्रेद्(free from hatred) - सर्वभूतानाम्
(sarva-bhutanam)— सभी प्राणियों का(toward all living beings) - मैत्रह्
(maitrah)— फ्रिएन्द्ल्य्(friendly) - करुनह्
(karunah)— और इन्दीद् चोम्पस्सिओनते(and indeed compassionate) - एव
(eva)— ही(and indeed compassionate) - च
(cha)— और(and indeed compassionate)
- निर्ममह्
(nirmamah)— फ्री से सेल्फिश्नेस्स्(मिने-नेस्स्) (free from selfishness (mine-ness)) - निरहन्करह्
(nirahankarah)— फ्री से एगोइस्म्(free from egoism) - सम-दुह्ख-सुखह्
(sama-duhkha-sukhah)— समान में पैन् और प्लेअसुरे(equal in pain and pleasure) - क्षमि
(kshami)— फोर्गिविन्ग्(forgiving)
English:He who is incapable of hatred towards any being, who is kind and compassionate, free from selfishness, without pride, equable in pleasure and in pain, and forgiving,
Krishna begins listing the qualities of a dear devotee: one who is free from hatred, friendly, compassionate, free from possessiveness and ego, and equal in pleasure and pain.
- Universal Friendliness:: Cultivate kindness and compassion toward all living beings, without holding grudges.
- Dissolving Ego:: Free yourself from the illusion of ownership ('my') and the pride of doership ('I').
Verse 14
सन्तुष्टः सततं योगी यतात्मा दृढनिश्चयः । | मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्यो मद्भक्तः स मे प्रियः | | १२-१४ | |
santuṣhṭaḥ satataṁ yogī yatātmā dṛiḍhaniśhchayaḥ mayyarpitamanobuddhiryo madbhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ
- सन्तुश्तह्
(santushtah)— चोन्तेन्तेद्(contented) - सततम्
(satatam)— सदा(always) - योगी
(yogi)— योगी(united in devotion) - यत-अत्म
(yata-atma)— सेल्फ्-चोन्त्रोल्लेद्(self-controlled) - द्रिध-निश्चयह्
(dridha-nishchayah)— पोस्सेस्सिन्ग् फिर्म् रेसोल्वे(possessing firm resolve) - मयि
(mayi)— मुझमें(in Me)
- अर्पित
(arpita)— अर्पित(dedicated) - मनह्-बुद्धिह्
(manah-buddhih)— मन और इन्तेल्लेच्त्(mind and intellect) - यः
(yah)— जो कोई(that devotee of Mine) - मद्-भक्तः
(mad-bhaktah)— मेरा भक्त(that devotee of Mine) - सः
(sah)— वह(they) - मे
(me)— मेरा(are dear to Me) - प्रियः
(priyah)— विशेष प्रिय(are dear to Me)
English:Always contented, self-centred, self-controlled, resolute, with mind and reason dedicated to Me, such a devotee of Mine is My beloved.
A dear devotee is ever content, self-controlled, possessed of firm resolve, with mind and intellect dedicated to the Supreme.
- Constant Contentment:: Happiness comes from within; learn to be satisfied with whatever comes by natural course.
- Firm Resolve:: Maintain a steady determination in your spiritual practice, anchored in divine connection.
Verse 15
यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च यः । | हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो यः स च मे प्रियः | | १२-१५ | |
yasmānnodvijate loko lokānnodvijate cha yaḥ harṣhāmarṣhabhayodvegairmukto yaḥ sa cha me priyaḥ
- यस्मत्
(yasmat)— ब्य् व्होम्(by whom) - न
(na)— नहीं(is not agitated or troubled) - उद्विजते
(udvijate)— इस् नहीं अगिततेद् या त्रोउब्लेद्(is not agitated or troubled) - लोकाः
(lokah)— लोक(the world) - लोकत्
(lokat)— ब्य् थे वोर्ल्द्(by the world) - न
(na)— नहीं(and is not agitated) - उद्विजते
(udvijate)— और इस् नहीं अगिततेद्(and is not agitated)
- च
(cha)— और(and is not agitated) - यः
(yah)— जो कोई(who) - हर्श-अमर्श-भय-उद्वेगैह्
(harsha-amarsha-bhaya-udvegaih)— से जोय्, एन्व्य्, फेअर्, और अन्xइएत्य्(from joy, envy, fear, and anxiety) - मुक्तह्
(muktah)— फ्री(free) - सः
(sah)— वह(that person also) - च
(cha)— और(that person also) - मे
(me)— मेरा(is dear to Me) - प्रियः
(priyah)— विशेष प्रिय(is dear to Me)
English:He who does not harm the world, and whom the world cannot harm, who is not carried away by any impulse of joy, anger or fear, such a one is My beloved.
One by whom the world is not agitated, and who is not agitated by the world, and who is free from joy, envy, fear, and anxiety, is dear to the Supreme.
- Non-Agitation:: Practice remaining calm and steady, ensuring your actions do not disturb others.
- Free from Anxiety:: Liberate your mind from the grip of envy, fear, and worry by trusting the cosmic order.
Verse 16
अनपेक्षः शुचिर्दक्ष उदासीनो गतव्यथः । | सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी यो मद्भक्तः स मे प्रियः | | १२-१६ | |
anapekṣhaḥ śhuchirdakṣha udāsīno gatavyathaḥ sarvārambhaparityāgī yo madbhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ
- अनपेक्षह्
(anapekshah)— फ्री से एxपेच्ततिओन्स्(free from expectations) - शुचिह्
(shuchih)— पुरे(pure) - दक्षह्
(dakshah)— स्किल्लेद् या प्रोम्प्त्(skilled or prompt) - उदसिनह्
(udasinah)— इन्दिफ्फेरेन्त् या इम्पर्तिअल्(indifferent or impartial) - गत-व्यथह्
(gata-vyathah)— फ्री से पैन् या वोर्र्य्(free from pain or worry)
- सर्व-अरम्भ-परित्यगि
(sarva-arambha-parityagi)— त्यागते हुए सभी सेन्से का पेर्सोनल् इनितिअतिवे(renouncing all sense of personal initiative) - यः
(yah)— जो कोई(that devotee of Mine) - मद्-भक्तः
(mad-bhaktah)— मेरा भक्त(that devotee of Mine) - सः
(sah)— वह(they) - मे
(me)— मेरा(are dear to Me) - प्रियः
(priyah)— विशेष प्रिय(are dear to Me)
English:He who expects nothing, who is pure, watchful, indifferent, unruffled, and who renounces all initiative, such a one is My beloved.
A dear devotee is free from expectations, pure, expert, unconcerned, free from distress, and renounces the attitude of doership in all undertakings.
- Free from Expectations:: Perform actions out of duty and love, without demanding specific responses or rewards.
- Unperturbed Mind:: Remain mentally calm and centered, unaffected by temporary external complications.
Verse 17
यो न हृष्यति न द्वेष्टि न शोचति न काङ्क्षति । | शुभाशुभपरित्यागी भक्तिमान्यः स मे प्रियः | | १२-१७ | |
yo na hṛiṣhyati na dveṣhṭi na śhochati na kāṅkṣhati śhubhāśhubhaparityāgī bhaktimānyaḥ sa me priyaḥ
- यः
(yah)— जो कोई(who) - न
(na)— नहीं(neither rejoices) - ह्रिश्यति
(hrishyati)— नेइथेर् रेजोइचेस्(neither rejoices) - न
(na)— नहीं(nor hates) - द्वेष्टि
(dveshti)— द्वेष करता(nor hates) - न
(na)— नहीं(nor grieves) - शोचति
(shochati)— नोर् ग्रिएवेस्(nor grieves) - न
(na)— नहीं(nor desires) - काङ्क्षति
(kankshati)— इच्छा करता(nor desires)
- शुभ-अशुभ-परित्यगि
(shubha-ashubha-parityagi)— त्यागते हुए बोथ् शुभ और अशुभ(renouncing both good and evil) - भक्तिमान्
(bhaktiman)— भक्तिमान(full of devotion) - यः
(yah)— जो कोई(who) - सः
(sah)— वह(they) - मे
(me)— मेरा(are dear to Me) - प्रियः
(priyah)— विशेष प्रिय(are dear to Me)
English:He who is beyond joy and hate, who neither laments nor wants, to whom good and evil fortunes are the same, such a one is My beloved.
One who neither rejoices nor hates, neither grieves nor desires, and who renounces both good and evil results, is full of devotion and dear to the Supreme.
- Beyond Dualities:: Do not ride the emotional roller coaster of temporary likes (rejoicing) and dislikes (hating).
- Renouncing Results:: View both pleasant and unpleasant events as temporary lessons in your soul's journey.
Reflective Prompt:How do you respond when people praise you or criticize you?
- ▪Option 1:I feel happy with praise and upset with criticism, which is natural.
- ▪Option 2:I practice seeing both praise and criticism as equal, remaining silent and content with whatever comes.
Verse 18
समः शत्रौ च मित्रे च तथा मानापमानयोः । | शीतोष्णसुखदुःखेषु samः सङ्गविवर्जितः | | १२-१८ | |
samaḥ śhatrau cha mitre cha tathā mānāpamānayoḥ śhītoṣhṇasukhaduḥkheṣhu samaḥ saṅgavivarjitaḥ
- समः
(samah)— समान(equal) - शत्रौ
(shatrau)— को एनेम्य् और फ्रिएन्द्(to enemy and friend) - च
(cha)— और(to enemy and friend) - मित्रे
(mitre)— को एनेम्य् और फ्रिएन्द्(to enemy and friend) - च
(cha)— और(to enemy and friend) - तथा
(tatha)— तथा(also) - मन-अपमनयोह्
(mana-apamanayoh)— में होनोर् और दिशोनोर्(in honor and dishonor)
- शित-उश्न-सुख-दुह्खेशु
(shita-ushna-sukha-duhkheshu)— में चोल्द् और हेअत्, प्लेअसुरे और पैन्(in cold and heat, pleasure and pain) - समः
(samah)— समान(the same) - सन्ग-विवर्जितह्
(sanga-vivarjitah)— फ्री से अत्तच्मेन्त्(free from attachment)
English:One who is the same toward friend and enemy, honor and dishonor, heat and cold, pleasure and pain, and is free from attachment is dear to Me.
He who is equal to friend and foe, and also in honor and dishonor, who is the same in cold and heat, pleasure and pain, and free from attachment, is dear.
- Equal Vision:: Treat all people, whether friendly or hostile, with the same inner equanimity.
- Comfort and Discomfort:: Develop the resilience to remain balanced in both physical comfort and discomfort.
Verse 19
तुल्यनिन्दास्तुतिर्मौनी सन्तुष्टो येन केनचित् । | अनिकेतः स्थिरमतिर्भक्तिमान्मे प्रियो नरः | | १२-१९ | |
tulyanindāstutirmaunī santuṣhṭo yena kenachit aniketaḥ sthiramatirbhaktimānme priyo naraḥ
- तुल्य-निन्द-स्तुतिह्
(tulya-ninda-stutih)— समान में ब्लमे और प्रैसे(equal in blame and praise) - मौनि
(mauni)— सिलेन्त् या qउइएत्(silent or quiet) - सन्तुश्तह्
(santushtah)— चोन्तेन्तेद्(contented) - येन
(yena)— जिसके द्वारा(with whatever comes) - केनचित्
(kenachit)— से व्हतेवेर् चोमेस्(with whatever comes)
- अनिकेतह्
(aniketah)— होमेलेस्स् या विथोउत् अत्तच्मेन्त् को होमे(homeless or without attachment to home) - स्थिर-मतिह्
(sthira-matih)— स्तेअद्य् में मन(steady in mind) - भक्तिमान्
(bhaktiman)— भक्तिमान(full of devotion) - मे
(me)— मेरा(is dear to Me) - प्रियः
(priyah)— विशेष प्रिय(is dear to Me) - नरह्
(narah)— थत् पेर्सोन्(that person)
English:Who is indifferent to praise and censure, who enjoys silence, who is contented with every fate, who has no fixed abode, who is steady in mind, and filled with devotion, such a one is My beloved.
One who holds praise and criticism as equal, who is silent, content with whatever comes, has no fixed home, and is steady in mind, is dear to the Supreme.
- Silence and Contentment:: Practice silence (mauna) to quiet the mind, and accept all feedback with equanimity.
- Detached Mindset:: Do not cling to material structures; remain steady in mind, knowing your true home is in the spirit.
Verse 20
ये तु धर्म्यामृतमिदं यथोक्तं पर्युपासते । | श्रद्दधाना मत्परमा भक्तास्तेऽतीव मे प्रियाः | | १२-२० | |
ye tu dharmyāmṛitamidaṁ yathoktaṁ paryupāsate śhraddadhānā matparamā bhaktāste’tīva me priyāḥ
- ये
(ye)— जो(but those who) - तु
(tu)— लेकिन(but those who) - धर्म्य-अम्रितम्
(dharmya-amritam)— थिस् नेच्तर् का विस्दोम्(this nectar of wisdom) - इदम्
(idam)— यह(this nectar of wisdom) - यथा
(yatha)— जैसे(as declared) - उक्तम्
(uktam)— कहा गया(as declared) - पर्युपासते
(paryupasate)— भली भांति उपासना करते हैं(follow or worship)
- श्रद्दधनह्
(shraddadhanah)— फिल्लेद् से श्रद्धा(filled with faith) - मत्-परमह्
(mat-paramah)— हविन्ग् मुझे जैसे परम गोअल्(keeping Me as the supreme goal) - भक्ताः
(bhaktah)— भक्त(devotees) - ते
(te)— वे(they) - अतिव
(ativa)— एxचीदिन्ग्ल्य्(exceedingly) - मे
(me)— मेरा(are dear to Me) - प्रियः
(priyah)— विशेष प्रिय(are dear to Me)
English:Truly those who love the spiritual wisdom as I have taught, whose faith never fails, and who concentrate their whole nature on Me, they indeed are My most beloved.
Those who follow this immortal nectar of Dharma with faith, making the Supreme their ultimate goal, are exceedingly dear to Krishna. This concludes the path of loving Bhakti.
- Character defines devotion:: A true devotee is free from hatred, is friendly and compassionate, and has no ego or pride.
- Equanimity in all circumstances:: Remaining steady in pleasure and pain, honor and dishonor, praise and blame, is the hallmark of a wise soul.
- Freedom from agitation:: The dear devotee is one who doesn't cause worry to the world and who is not agitated by the world.
- Contentment with whatever comes:: Contentment, silence, steadiness of mind, and single-pointed faith are beloved qualities.