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Chapter 12 · Devotional Service · 20 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps

1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
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

12.15 12.17

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 12.16

The qualities of a devotee dear to Krishna

Jīva · The soul

अनपेक्ष: श‍ुचिर्दक्ष उदासीनो गतव्यथ: ।

सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी यो मद्भ‍क्त: स मे प्रिय: ॥ १६ ॥

anapekṣaḥ śucir dakṣa

udāsīno gata-vyathaḥ

sarvārambha-parityāgī

yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ

Translation

My devotee who is not dependent on the ordinary course of activities, who is pure, expert, without cares, free from all pains, and not striving for some result, is very dear to Me.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io

Understand it

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

3 study points

Dear to the Lord

1
A pure, expert devotee who does not depend on ordinary activities, is free from cares and pains, and does not strive for results is very dear to the Lord.
2
Prabhupāda explains that a devotee may work hard to build a temple for the Lord, but not a big house for personal relations.
3
Rise early for devotional service and keep clean, both inwardly and outwardly.

Key points from the purport

Detached from everything worldly

‘Anapeksah’ (Neutral) — Not dependent on ordinary course of activities

Money may be offered to a devotee, but he does not struggle to acquire it

If it comes automatically by Lord’s grace he is not agitated

‘Sucih’ (pure)

External: Bathing at least twice a day

Internal: Rising early for devotional acts

‘Daksa’ (expert)

Fully knows the essence of all activities of life

Convinced of authoritative scriptures

‘Udasina’ (without cares)

A devotee never takes the part of a particular party

‘Gata-vyathah’ (painfree)

Because he is free from all bodily designations

‘Sarvarambha Parityagi’ (free from all endeavors) — not striving for some fruit

Pure devotee doesn’t not endeavor for anything against the principles of devotional service

e.g. Constructing a big building requires great energy, a devotee takes such business only if it benefits him in devotional service e.g. constructing a big temple but not constructing a big personal house