Chapter 12 Verse 18-19
Bhakti Yog
समः शत्रौ च मित्रे च तथा मानापमानयोः।शीतोष्णसुखदुःखेषु समः सङ्गविवर्जितः।।12.18।। तुल्यनिन्दास्तुतिर्मौनी सन्तुष्टो येनकेनचित्।अनिकेतः स्थिरमतिर्भक्ितमान्मे प्रियो नरः।।12.19।।
samaḥ śhatrau cha mitre cha tathā mānāpamānayoḥ śhītoṣhṇa-sukha-duḥkheṣhu samaḥ saṅga-vivarjitaḥ tulya-nindā-stutir maunī santuṣhṭo yena kenachit aniketaḥ sthira-matir bhaktimān me priyo naraḥ
Word Meanings
| samaḥ | alike |
| śhatrau | to a foe |
| cha | and |
| mitre | to a friend |
| cha tathā | as well as |
| māna-apamānayoḥ | in honor and dishonor |
| śhīta-uṣhṇa | in cold and heat |
| sukha-duḥkheṣhu | in joy and sorrow |
| samaḥ | equipoised |
| saṅga-vivarjitaḥ | free from all unfavorable association |
| tulya | alike |
| nindā-stutiḥ | reproach and praise |
| maunī | silent contemplation |
| santuṣhṭaḥ | contented |
| yena kenachit | with anything |
| aniketaḥ | without attachment to the place of residence |
| sthira | firmly fixed |
| matiḥ | intellect |
| bhakti-mān | full of devotion |
| me | to me |
| priyaḥ | very dear |
| naraḥ | a person |
Translation
He who is the same to foe and friend, and also in honor and dishonor, who is the same in cold and heat, in pleasure and pain, and who is free from attachment. He to whom censure and praise are equal, who is silent, content with anything, homeless, of a steady mind, and full of devotion; that man is dear to me.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse points to a steady heart that remains the same in opposites: friend or foe, praise or blame, comfort or pain. Such calmness is not indifference but inner balance that does not depend on outside events.
It also describes freedom from clinginess—being content with little, not tied to a place or image, and holding a steady mind. When devotion steadies the heart, that person becomes dear to the Divine.
The qualities named—silence, contentment, simplicity, and firm intention—are practical markers of spiritual progress, showing control over reactions and a peaceful inner life.
Life Application
- Pause before reacting to praise or criticism; notice your breath and respond from balance, not habit.
- Practice contentment: limit one small desire this week (buying, scrolling, or talking) and notice how your peace changes.
- Build steady devotion through a short daily routine (quiet breath, a line of prayer, or a simple act of service) to keep the mind focused and calm.
Reflection Question
What situation most disturbs your inner balance, and what small step can you take to meet it more calmly?