In our ongoing exploration of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12, we now arrive at Verse 17, where Shri Krishna continues describing the endearing qualities of His beloved devotees.
In Part 11, we meditated upon the inner detachment, purity, and excellence of a devotee who has surrendered their ego. Now, in Verse 12.17, Shri Krishna introduces even more refined characteristics — emotional mastery, renunciation of dualities, and unwavering devotion.
Swami Mukundananda Ji shares deep insights into how these divine traits emerge not from suppression, but from a spiritual transformation of the heart. Let us immerse ourselves in this verse, which serves as both a mirror and a map for sincere seekers.
Bhagavad Gita 12.17
न हृष्यति न द्वेष्टि न शोचति न काङ्क्षति |
शुभाशुभपरित्यागी भक्तिमान्य: स मे प्रिय: || 17||
Translation:
“Those who neither rejoice in mundane pleasures nor despair in worldly sorrows, who neither lament for any loss nor hanker for any gain, who renounce both good and evil deeds, such persons who are full of devotion are very dear to Me.”
🌿 1. They neither rejoice in mundane pleasures nor despair in worldly sorrows
Shri Krishna begins by describing a devotee who is emotionally balanced — not elated by gain, nor depressed by loss. This transcendence of dualities is not heartlessness, but a higher heart-centered awareness.
🦅 Swami Ji’s Insight — Be Like the Eagle:
During the pandemic, Swami Ji resided at the JKYog Ashram in Delhi, beside a lush green area. From the rooftop, he observed birds every morning — especially a fascinating drama between eagles and crows.
The crows, smaller and more agile, tried to dive-bomb the eagle. But the eagle never retaliated. It simply soared higher and higher, until the crows gave up.
👉 Lesson:
Likewise, there will be people in life — and especially in offices — who behave like crows: provoking, gossiping, pulling others into negativity. A devotee rises above all this. He does not react, retaliate, or sink into drama. Like the eagle, he lifts himself higher in consciousness.
💡 Reflection:
You can choose to be like the crow, constantly disturbed and reactive. Or you can be like the eagle, gliding above worldly highs and lows — untouched, free, and peaceful.
🌿 2. Neither lament for any loss nor hanker for any gain
After establishing emotional neutrality toward pleasures and sorrows, Shri Krishna next emphasizes the absence of lamentation and craving.
A true devotee does not carry the burden of the past or anxiety about the future. If something is lost, they do not mourn endlessly. If something is gained, they do not crave for more.
🧀 Swami Ji’s Story — Cheese Sandwiches Again!
A man at work opened his tiffin every day and groaned:
“Oh no, cheese sandwiches again!”
His colleague asked,
“Why don’t you tell your wife to pack something else?”
He replied,
“I pack them myself.”
👉 Lesson:
This humorous story holds a profound truth — most of our mental suffering is self-inflicted. We pack our own misery through repeated patterns, expectations, and desires.
🧘♂️ Swami Ji’s Insight:
A devotee understands the law of karma. He knows that not every situation is within his control. So after making sincere effort, he says:
“O Lord, I’ve done my best — the rest I surrender to You. If You wish to give me bitter fruit, I will receive it as grace.”
🌱 Inner Response:
The devotee doesn’t ask, “Why me?” He accepts with maturity and trust: “This is also His blessing.”
🌿 3. Renounce both good and evil actions (Shubhāshubha parityāgī)
Shri Krishna now shifts from emotional responses to the motivations behind actions. The devotee not only stays neutral in emotions but also renounces the pride and ownership of actions — whether good or bad.
⚖️ Swami Ji Explains the Three Types of Karma:
- Karma: Duties prescribed in scriptures (e.g., Sandhya Vandan)
- Vikarma: Actions against scripture, driven by desire or ego
- Akarma: Action without attachment — also known as Karma Yoga
🧠 The key difference lies in intention.
If we act with the thought, “I am doing this, and I must get the result,” we become bound — even if the act is good.
🎖️ Example — Arjun in the Battlefield:
A soldier may kill, but if he acts without hatred — simply following duty — he is not a murderer.
Similarly, Arjun fought in the Mahabharata under Shri Krishna’s guidance, without pride or malice. Hence, he remained untouched by karma.
📜 Gita 18.17:
“He who has no sense of doership, even while acting, is not bound.”
🌼 True Renunciation:
Shubhāshubha parityāgī means the devotee no longer seeks credit for good, nor feels guilt over mistakes. He offers everything to God — and thus, remains free.
🌿 4. Full of devotion (Bhaktimān)
The final and most precious quality in this verse is Bhaktimān — one who is full of devotion.
This is not dry religiosity or mere ritualism. Shri Krishna speaks of ever-growing, unconditional love.
🌕 Swami Ji’s Insight — Divine Love vs. Worldly Love:
“Prem me poornima nahi — There is no full moon in divine love. It just keeps rising.”
📉 Worldly Love:
"Love at first sight becomes divorce at first fight."
📈 Divine Love:
The devotee loves God, even when God withholds blessings. The love continues without complaint, without expectation.
🛡 Spiritual Resilience:
Even in difficult times, the devotee does not ask, “What am I getting?” Instead, he prays, “How can I serve and love You more?”
📌 Key Point:
True devotion is not tested during comfort, but during adversity. A bhaktimān continues to offer love — not for gains, but for the sake of love itself.
🌸 Story of Saint Rabia Basri — Forgiveness Beyond Human Limits
In ancient Arabia, Saint Rabia Basri was born a slave. Despite being abused, she was once overheard praying for her cruel master’s well-being.
Shocked, he asked, “Why are you praying for me after all I’ve done to you?”
She replied,
“Because I see God even in you.”
He was humbled. He freed her. She later became one of the most revered Sufi saints in history.
📌 Lesson:
Such is the power of selfless devotion. A heart full of divine love is free from hatred. Even adversity cannot extinguish its light.
🌸 Practice Guide from Swami Ji
Want to cultivate these traits? Begin with these simple steps:
🕊 Emotional Balance Practice:
Pause when emotions rise. Repeat:
“This too is God’s will.”
🙏 Daily Surrender:
Offer your first thoughts of the day to God:
“Lord, help me accept joy and sorrow with equal grace.”
🎯 Karma Yoga Mindset:
Before starting any task, silently dedicate it to God.
🧘 Let Go of Results:
Remind yourself:
“I am the servant; He is the Master. I act, He decides.”
🌸 Self-Reflection Checklist
Ask yourself sincerely:
✅ Do I remain steady amidst pleasure and pain?
✅ Am I attached to results or surrendered to God’s will?
✅ Do I react like the crow or rise like the eagle?
✅ Is my devotion growing regardless of circumstances?
The more “yes” answers, the closer your heart aligns with Shri Krishna’s.
✅ FAQs
Q: What does Bhagavad Gita 12.17 teach about emotional balance?
It teaches that a true devotee is unaffected by worldly ups and downs — remaining even-minded in all situations.
Q: What is Shubhāshubha Parityāgī in Gita 12.17?
It refers to renouncing attachment to both good and bad actions — acting without selfish desire.
Q: What does Bhaktimān mean in Gita 12.17?
Bhaktimān means one who is full of unwavering devotion — ever-growing, selfless love for God.
Q: How can I rise above worldly sorrow and joy?
By practicing karma yoga, surrendering results to God, and anchoring your identity in your spiritual self.
📚 References
Verse and Translation: holy-bhagavad-gita.org
Discourses by Swami Mukundananda Ji (Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12, Part 12)
🙏 Call to Action
"Swami Mukundananda Official YouTube Channel."
"Bhagavad Gita Krishna Bhakti Channel"
🕗 In the next blog (Part 13, releasing tomorrow at 8:00 AM CST)
We will explore the next verse — a deeper dive into the transcendent qualities of Krishna’s dearest devotees.
Don’t miss it.
