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Chapter 12 · Devotional Service · 20 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps
  1. 1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
  2. 2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
  3. 3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
  4. 4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
  5. 5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
  6. 6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.
Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›
Character & ethicsChapter 12 · Devotional Service
12.1412.16

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 12.15

The qualities of a devotee dear to Krishna

Jīva · The soul

यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च य: ।

हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो य: स च मे प्रिय: ॥ १५ ॥

yasmān nodvijate loko

lokān nodvijate ca yaḥ

harṣāmarṣa-bhayodvegair

mukto yaḥ sa ca me priyaḥ

Translation

He by whom no one is put into difficulty and who is not disturbed by anyone, who is equipoised in happiness and distress, fear and anxiety, is very dear to Me.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

Kind and Steady Devotee

  1. 1

    One who troubles no one and stays steady in happiness, distress, fear and anxiety is very dear to Kṛṣṇa.

  2. 2

    Prabhupāda explains that devotion to Kṛṣṇa and the Lord’s grace keep a devotee undisturbed by material circumstances.

  3. 3

    Be kind to others, avoid causing them anxiety, and stay engaged in devotional service.

Key points from the purport

Never causes distress to others

8

Not get affected — Because a devotee is always engrossed in Krishna consciousness, material circumstances cannot move him, not disturbed by anyone

Such a stage is obtained by grace of Lord to the Devotee

9

Does not affect others — No-one is put into anxiety, difficulty, fearfulness or dissatisfaction by such a devotee, because he is kind to everyone

Further reading

Qualities That Endear One To Krishna

Possessing divine qualities makes one dear to Krishna

One who faithfully follows the path of devotional service, making Krishna the supreme goal is very dear to Him

Chapter 12, section III: Qualities That Endear One To Krishna
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. yasmātfrom whom
  2. nanever
  3. udvijateare agitated
  4. lokaḥpeople
  5. lokātfrom people
  6. nanever
  7. udvijateis disturbed
  8. caalso
3

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: daivī-sampat, dharma.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 12.15 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to character & ethics?

Practice

Choose one virtue to practice consciously today.

5

The story behind it

Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.

All stories for chapter 12 ›
6

Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

BG 12.13Qualities of a devotee dear to KrishnaBG 12.14The qualities of a devotee dear to KrishnaBG 16.21Lust, anger and greed lead toward degradation.
Live this todayKind and Steady in DevotionOne practice from this verse

Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.

  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
Next in Learn · 4 of 9 · 10 minChapters & storiesGo chapter by chapter, with the Mahābhārata stories that explain what is happening.Back · LearnPrabhupāda's Introduction