Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12 – Part 10 | The Devotee Who is Dear to the Lord
In Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna continues His intimate description of the qualities that make a devotee truly beloved to Him. After highlighting surrender, practice, and inner transformation in previous verses, He now introduces another beautiful quality in Verse 12.15 — a quality that sets a genuine devotee apart in both conduct and consciousness.
Swami Mukundananda Ji explains in detail how these divine traits are not artificial behaviors but the natural fragrance of a purified heart. They blossom when the mind and intellect are aligned with God.
Let us dive into Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12, Verse 15 and explore Swami Ji’s profound insights.
📖 Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12, Verse 15
Sanskrit Verse
यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च य: |
हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो य: स च मे प्रिय: || 15||
Translation:
“Those who are not a source of annoyance to anyone and who in turn are not agitated by anyone, who are equal in pleasure and pain, and free from fear and anxiety, such devotees of Mine are very dear to Me.”
🌿 The Inner Purity of the Soul
Swami Mukundananda Ji emphasizes that the soul by nature is eternally pure, divine, and blissful. The only reason we experience impurities such as anger, malice, or fear is because of the coverings of the mind.
He beautifully explains that when these impurities are removed through bhakti, the natural virtues of the soul begin to shine forth. Just as the sun is never diminished by passing clouds, the soul’s brilliance is not lost but simply hidden until devotion clears the sky of the heart.
The Shreemad Bhagavatam states:
yasyāsti bhaktir bhagavatyakiñchanā
sarvair guṇais tatra samāsate surāḥ
harāvabhaktasya kuto mahad-guṇā
manorathenāsati dhāvato bahiḥ (5.18.12)
“All the wonderful qualities of the celestial gods manifest in those who devote themselves to the Supreme Lord. But those who do not engage in devotion only keep running on the chariot of their mind.”
🌸 Qualities of the Devotee in Verse 12.15
Lord Krishna now highlights four essential traits of His dear devotee:
- Not a source of annoyance to anyone
- Not agitated by anyone
- Equal in pleasure and pain
- Free from fear and anxiety
Let’s explore these qualities in detail, guided by Swami Mukundananda Ji’s discourse and practical applications for our lives.
🌿 1. yasmān nodvijate lokaḥ - Not a Source of Annoyance to Anyone
A true devotee, softened by the touch of devotion, cannot harbor the desire to harm or disturb others. Swami Ji explains that devotion melts the heart, making it gentle, compassionate, and kind.
The devotee sees God seated within all beings — whether human, animal, friend, or foe. Just as we would not wish to injure our own hand, the devotee cannot bring harm to others, recognizing them as divine fragments of the same Supreme.
Practical Reflections
- In conversations, avoid harsh or hurtful words.
- Treat every person — from coworkers to strangers — with respect.
- Before acting, ask: “Will my actions disturb or uplift others?”
This quality creates harmony and reflects the natural sweetness of bhakti.
🌿 2. lokān nodvijate cha yaḥ - Not Agitated by Anyone
While devotees never disturb others, it does not mean others refrain from disturbing them. Saints across cultures and eras have often faced opposition. Yet, they remain unmoved.
Swami Ji draws attention to how great saints responded to hostility with forgiveness and compassion. The example of Jesus Christ on the cross — “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” — illustrates this quality perfectly.
The devotee learns to see insults as ignorance, not injury. Instead of reacting, they respond with equanimity and love.
Daily Application
- When criticized, pause before responding; breathe and remember God.
- Train the mind to see negativity as a test of inner strength.
- Develop tolerance by remembering that others act under their own ignorance and sanskars (mental impressions).
🌿 3. harṣha–amarṣha- Equal in Pleasure and Pain
Life brings both joy and sorrow — like alternating seasons. The devotee does not resist this natural flow. Swami Ji explains that they accept both as God’s prasad, opportunities for growth in devotion.
He shares a beautiful analogy: A boat floats safely so long as the water remains outside. But if water enters, the boat sinks. Similarly, a devotee remains steady if worldly pleasures and pains are not allowed to sink into the heart.
Practical Lessons
- Celebrate success without arrogance.
- Face failure without despair.
- See both as divine opportunities to deepen faith.
This equanimity transforms life into a smooth spiritual journey.
🌿 4. bhaya–udvegaiḥ muktaḥ - Free from Fear and Anxiety
Fear and anxiety arise from attachment. When we cling to people, objects, or outcomes, we inevitably worry about losing them.
Swami Ji explains that the devotee, however, becomes fearless by cultivating detachment and aligning with God’s will. They surrender completely, knowing that whatever happens is part of divine grace.
When the mind stops demanding outcomes, fear dissolves. When the heart accepts God’s will, anxiety vanishes.
Practical Example
- Fear of failure in exams or career is replaced by effort + surrender: “I will try my best, and leave results to God.”
- Anxiety over relationships softens when we see loved ones as souls entrusted by God, not possessions.
This freedom from fear is not recklessness, but serene trust in the Divine.
🌟 Obstacles to Cultivating These Qualities
Swamiji notes that the main enemies are:
- Ego – fuels irritation and conflict.
- Attachment – causes anxiety and fear.
- Expectations – generate disappointment.
- Anger – leads to annoyance of others.
Recognizing these tendencies in ourselves is the first step toward transformation.
🌟 Practical Guide to Living These Teachings
- Daily Introspection: Ask, “Did I disturb anyone today? Was I disturbed by others?”
- Meditative Practice: Spend 10 minutes visualizing surrender — offering joys, sorrows, and fears to God.
- Service (Seva): Consciously choose actions that help, not harm. Even small acts like kind words count.
- Forgiveness Practice: End each day by forgiving those who annoyed you.
🌟 Self-Reflection Checklist
- Do I live without being a disturbance to others?
- Am I able to remain calm when others provoke me?
- Can I accept both pleasure and pain equally?
- Do I trust God enough to live without fear or anxiety?
The more we cultivate these answers positively, the closer we come to being the kind of devotee Krishna declares as “very dear.”
✅ FAQs
❓ What qualities make a devotee dear to God in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12, Verse 15?
Devotees dear to Krishna are those who do not disturb others, are not disturbed by others, remain equal in pleasure and pain, and live free from fear and anxiety.
❓ Why is freedom from fear important in devotion?
Fear stems from attachment. When a devotee surrenders to God and accepts His will, fear and anxiety naturally dissolve.
❓ How can one stop being disturbed by others?
By practicing tolerance, understanding others act from ignorance, and remembering that their behavior cannot shake one’s inner peace if anchored in God.
🙏 Call to Action
"Swami Mukundananda Official Youtube Channel."
"Bhagavad Gita Krishna Bhakti Channel"
📅 Stay Tuned
This was Part 10 of our ongoing series on Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12 – Bhakti Yoga.
✨ In the next blog (Part 11, releasing tomorrow at 8:00 PM CST), we will continue exploring the divine virtues of devotees described by Shree Krishna.
📚 References
- Shlokas and translations: holy-bhagavad-gita.org
- Discourses by Swami Mukundananda Ji (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, Part 10).