Chapter 12 Verse 15
Bhakti Yog
यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च यः।हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो यः स च मे प्रियः।।12.15।।
yasmān nodvijate loko lokān nodvijate cha yaḥ harṣhāmarṣha-bhayodvegair mukto yaḥ sa cha me priyaḥ
Word Meanings
| yasmāt | by whom |
| na | not |
| udvijate | are agitated |
| lokaḥ | people |
| lokāt | from people |
| na | not |
| udvijate | are disturbed |
| cha | and |
| yaḥ | who |
| harṣha | pleasure |
| amarṣha | pain |
| bhaya | fear |
| udvegaiḥ | anxiety |
| muktaḥ | freed |
| yaḥ | who |
| saḥ | they |
| cha | and |
| me | to me |
| priyaḥ | very dear |
Translation
He whom the world does not agitate, and who cannot be agitated by the world, and who is freed from joy, anger, fear, and anxiety—he is dear to Me.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse points to a steady heart that is not shaken by praise or blame, success or failure. Such a person keeps inner balance regardless of what others do or say.
Being "freed from joy, anger, fear, and anxiety" does not mean being cold or emotionless. It means emotions do not control the person. They feel, but they do not cling to pleasure or run from pain. Their choices come from clear sight, not from reactive feelings.
A calm, free mind naturally acts with love and wisdom. That inner freedom makes a person fit for true devotion and right action. For the Gita, this steady-mindedness is what brings one closer to the Divine.
Life Application
- Pause before reacting: take a breath when praised or criticized to avoid automatic responses.
- See feelings as passing: label emotions (joy, anger, fear) and let them move on instead of holding on.
- Do your duty without clinging to results: focus on honest effort, not on approval or outcomes.
Reflection Question
What recent event disturbed my peace, and what small step can I take now to respond more steadily?