यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च यः।हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो यः स च मे प्रियः।।12.15।।
yasmān nodvijate lokaḥ lokān nodvijate ca yaḥ | harṣāmarṣa bhayo dvvegair muktah yaḥ sa ca me priyaḥ
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.
Word Meanings
yasmāt — from whom; na — never; udvijate — are agitated; lokaḥ — people; lokān — from people; na — never; udvijate — is disturbed; ca — also; yaḥ — anyone who; harṣa — from happiness; amarṣa — distress; bhaya — fear; udvegaiḥ — and anxiety; muktaḥ — freed; yaḥ — who; saḥ — anyone; ca — also; me — to Me; priyaḥ — very dear.
Understanding the Verse
In this verse, Lord Krishna describes the ideal devotee – one whose mind remains untouched by external disturbances. The phrase "yasmān nodvijate lokaḥ" signifies a person who does not cause agitation to the world; his actions and words never disturb anyone. Conversely, "lokān nodvijate ca yaḥ" indicates that the same individual is not disturbed by the world. This mutual non‑agitation creates a harmonious relationship between the devotee and society, reflecting the principle of self‑restraint and compassion.
Equanimity is further emphasized with the compound "harṣāmarṣa," which merges the extremes of happiness (harṣa) and distress (amarṣa). The devotee perceives pleasure and pain as equal, neither clinging to joy nor recoiling from sorrow. Such balanced perception prevents the mind from being swayed by the fleeting nature of sensory experiences, allowing a deeper focus on the divine.
The verse also mentions freedom from "bhaya" (fear) and "dvvega" (anxiety). By transcending fear and anxiety, the devotee cultivates an inner stability that is essential for unwavering devotion. This inner freedom is not a denial of emotions but a mastery over them, achieved through disciplined practice, self‑knowledge, and surrender to the Divine.
When Krishna says "muktah yaḥ", he conveys that this individual is liberated (mukta) from the bondage of mental turbulence. Liberation here is not merely external freedom but an inner emancipation where the soul is no longer a captive of the ego’s fluctuations. This state of liberation is the fertile ground in which true bhakti (devotion) blossoms.
Finally, the devotee who possesses all these qualities is described as "priyaḥ" – dear to the Lord. The term "priya" indicates special affection, suggesting that God’s grace is especially forthcoming to those who embody equilibrium, compassion, and fearlessness. Such devotees become natural vessels for divine love, allowing the spiritual ripples of their inner peace to spread outward, uplifting others and the world at large.
In practical terms, this verse serves as a guide for spiritual aspirants. It encourages the cultivation of non‑violent speech and actions, the development of mental equanimity, and the practice of fearlessness through surrender. By integrating these virtues, a seeker aligns with the divine ideal, progressively moving toward the ultimate goal of union with the Supreme.
