Bhagavad Gita 12.15

Bhakti Yoga · English Translation

He by whom the world is not agitated and who cannot be agitated by the world, and who is freed from joy, anger, fear and anxiety he is dear to Me.

Sanskrit

यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च यः | हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो यः स च मे प्रियः ||१२-१५||

Transliteration

yasmānnodvijate loko lokānnodvijate ca yaḥ . harṣāmarṣabhayodvegairmukto yaḥ sa ca me priyaḥ ||12-15||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna describes the qualities of a devotee who is dear to him: someone whose inner peace remains unshaken by external circumstances. This person does not disturb others and cannot be disturbed themselves, remaining free from extreme joy, anger, fear, or anxiety. The core teaching emphasizes that true spiritual maturity manifests as emotional stability and non-reactivity in the face of life's dualities.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse belongs primarily to Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) but is deeply rooted in the principles of Jnana Yoga and Karma Yoga regarding detachment from the fruits of action. It develops the concept of 'Sthita-prajna' or steady wisdom, where one transcends the dualities of happiness and sorrow through self-realization.

Word by Word

यस्मात् for whom, न not, उद्विजते is agitated, लोकः the world, लोकात् from the world, न not, उद्विजते is agitated, च and, यः who, हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैः by (from) joy, wrath, fear and anxiety, मुक्तः freed, यः who, सः he, च and, मे to Me, प्रियः dear

Classical Commentary

Harsha Joy, exhilaration of the mind when one obtains an object of desire. This is indicated by hair standing on end, tears flowing down the face, etc. Amarsha Anger. Some say that it is a mixture of jealousy and anger. Udvega Anxiety, worry, sorrow, discomfiture. The knower of Brahman or the devotee of the Lord never injures any creature in thought, word and deed. He gives security of life to all creatures. Therefore, no creature is afraid of him. The sage feels that the world is his body, his own Self. How can he be afraid of the world then He never hurts others and is not hurt by the words or deeds of others. The mental modifications of joy, envy, fear and anxiety leave the sage or devotee of their own accord, just as the beasts and birds leave the forest when it is on fire. Such a sage or devotee is dear to Me. How can I describe him

Where This Happens

This verse appears in Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita during the intense dialogue on the battlefield of Kurukshetra between Lord Krishna and Prince Arjuna. After listing the qualities that make a devotee dear to God, Krishna is responding to Arjuna's earlier question about which path—devotion or action—is superior for spiritual growth. At this moment, Arjuna feels overwhelmed by his duty as a warrior but seeks reassurance on how to maintain devotion while facing such emotional turmoil.

Living It Out Today

Consider a modern professional receiving harsh criticism from their boss; instead of reacting with anger or fear, they pause, acknowledge the feedback without taking it personally, and respond calmly. This person understands that their self-worth is not tied to external praise or blame, allowing them to navigate office politics without losing sleep or peace of mind. By remaining steady during a family crisis rather than escalating panic, they become a source of stability for everyone around them.

Explained for Children

Imagine a calm lake that stays still even when wind blows over it; this verse describes someone just like that deep inside their heart. Krishna says he loves people who are kind to everyone, don't get angry easily, and stay peaceful whether things go well or badly for them. It means being like a sturdy tree in the storm—no matter how loud the world gets around you, your mind stays quiet and happy.

Daily Reflection

In our daily rush, it is easy to let the opinions and chaos of others dictate our emotional state. Today, I invite you to pause when you feel agitated by someone else's behavior or a sudden change in circumstances. By recognizing that true peace comes from within rather than without, you can become an unshakeable source of calm for those around you.

A Practice for Today

Sit quietly and observe how external events trigger internal shifts of joy, fear, or anger within you. Visualize yourself as a stable mountain amidst the wind; allow the world to move around you without shaking your inner foundation.

Key Teachings

The Twin Freedom
Krishna identifies the devotee as one who is both non-agitating to others and unaffected by them. This creates a harmonious relationship with society where your presence brings peace rather than conflict.
Transcending Emotional Extremes
The verse explicitly lists the removal of joy, anger, fear, and anxiety as markers of spiritual maturity. A true devotee remains equanimous in success or failure, understanding that these are fleeting states of matter.
The Essence of Divine Friendship
Such a person is declared 'dear to Me' because their stability reflects the nature of the Self. When we stop reacting impulsively to the world's ups and downs, we align ourselves with Krishna's eternal presence.

Themes

Emotional StabilityDevotionDetachmentInner PeaceNon-ReactivitySteady Wisdom

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 18.66

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is being 'dear' to God linked to not causing agitation?

Krishna teaches that true devotion naturally leads to a calm heart; if you are agitated, your mind cannot fully focus on the Divine. When one stops disturbing others through their own emotional outbursts, they align with the universal harmony of peace and love.

Is this teaching for monks only or can ordinary people follow it?

This path of Bhakti Yoga and steady wisdom is available to everyone, regardless of their lifestyle. Ordinary family members and workers can practice staying unagitated while performing their daily duties with a spirit of devotion.

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