Chapter 12 Verse 13-14
Bhakti Yog
अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्रः करुण एव च।निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः समदुःखसुखः क्षमी।।12.13।। सन्तुष्टः सततं योगी यतात्मा दृढनिश्चयः।मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्यो मद्भक्तः स मे प्रियः।।12.14।।
adveṣhṭā sarva-bhūtānāṁ maitraḥ karuṇa eva cha nirmamo nirahankāraḥ sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ kṣhamī santuṣhṭaḥ satataṁ yogī yatātmā dṛiḍha-niśhchayaḥ mayy arpita-mano-buddhir yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ
Word Meanings
| adveṣhṭā | free from malice |
| sarva-bhūtānām | toward all living beings |
| maitraḥ | friendly |
| karuṇaḥ | compassionate |
| eva | indeed |
| cha | and |
| nirmamaḥ | free from attachment to possession |
| nirahankāraḥ | free from egoism |
| sama | equipoised |
| duḥkha | distress |
| sukhaḥ | happiness |
| kṣhamī | forgiving |
| santuṣhṭaḥ | contented |
| satatam | steadily |
| yogī | united in devotion |
| yata-ātmā | self-controlled |
| dṛiḍha-niśhchayaḥ | firm in conviction |
| mayi | to me |
| arpita | dedicated |
| manaḥ | mind |
| buddhiḥ | intellect |
| yaḥ | who |
| mat-bhaktaḥ | my devotees |
| saḥ | they |
| me | to me |
| priyaḥ | very dear |
Translation
He who hates no creature, is friendly and compassionate to all, is free from attachment and egoism, is balanced in pleasure and pain, and is forgiving. Ever content, steady in meditation, self-controlled, possessing firm conviction, with the mind and intellect dedicated to Me, he, My devotee, is dear to Me.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse describes the heart of a true devotee: someone who does not hate, who is kind and compassionate to all beings, and who lets go of attachment and ego. Such a person stays calm in both pain and pleasure and forgives others easily.
It also points to inner steadiness—being content, disciplined, and firm in one’s commitment to spiritual practice. When the mind and understanding are offered to the Divine (or to a higher purpose), that person becomes deeply connected and beloved to God.
The message is practical: spiritual maturity shows up as simple virtues in daily life—gentleness, balance, self-control, and dedication—not as special powers or outward shows of religion.
Life Application
- When upset, pause and choose a calm, kind response instead of reacting from ego or hurt.
- Practice small daily habits: a few minutes of steady breathing or prayer, and consciously dedicate one action each day to a higher purpose.
- Let go of keeping score—forgive quickly and focus on inner contentment rather than possessions or praise.
Reflection Question
Which one quality from this verse can you practice today to feel more steady and connected?