
12
CHAPTER
VERSE
16
अनपेक्ष: शुचिर्दक्ष उदासीनो गतव्यथ: |
सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी यो मद्भक्त: स मे प्रिय: || 12.16 ||
Anapekṣaḥ śuchirdakṣa udāsīno gatavyathaḥ |
Sarvārambhaparityāgī yo madbhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ ||
One who is unenvious, pure, expert, devoid of worry, indifferent to success and failure, and who renounces all fruitive activities is dear to Me.
Lesson:
Shri Krishna outlines the qualities of a devotee who is dear to him. Krishna describes the characteristics of an ideal devotee, emphasizing traits that foster spiritual growth and deepen one's connection with the divine.
The first quality mentioned is "anapekṣaḥ," which means unenvious. A true devotee harbours no jealousy or envy towards others. Instead, they rejoice in the success and happiness of others, embodying a spirit of kindness and goodwill towards all beings.
The next trait highlighted is "śuchir," or purity. A sincere devotee maintains purity of heart and mind, free from negative thoughts and intentions. They strive to uphold moral and ethical values in their actions, speech, and thoughts, cultivating a sense of inner purity and integrity.
The devotee is also described as "dakṣa," meaning expert or skilful. This implies proficiency in one's endeavours, whether spiritual or worldly. A devotee dedicates themselves to their chosen path with diligence and competence, striving for excellence in all endeavours.
Another quality mentioned is "udāsīna," which denotes being indifferent or detached. A true devotee remains equanimous in the face of success and failure, pleasure and pain. They do not allow external circumstances to disturb their inner peace, maintaining a sense of detachment from the transient fluctuations of life.
Furthermore, Krishna praises the devotee who is "gatavyathaḥ," or devoid of worry. Such a devotee surrenders their anxieties and concerns to the divine, trusting in the higher power to guide and protect them. They live with a sense of faith and surrender, knowing that everything unfolds according to the divine plan.
Lastly, Krishna extols the devotee who is "sarvārambhaparityāgī," meaning one who renounces all fruitive activities. This implies relinquishing the desire for personal gain or selfish motives in their actions. Instead, the devotee dedicates their efforts selflessly to serving the divine and uplifting others, without expecting anything in return.
In summary, this verse emphasizes the qualities of a true devotee who is dear to Lord Krishna. Such a devotee embodies virtues like unenviousness, purity, expertise, detachment, freedom from worry, and selfless service. By cultivating these qualities, one can deepen their spiritual connection with the divine and experience profound love and grace in their lives.