Shloka 12.1: arjuna uvācha | evaṁ satata-yuktā ye bhaktās tvāṁ paryupāsate | ye chāpy akṣharam avyaktaṁ teṣhāṁ ke yogavittamāḥ || 12.1 ||

English:  Arjuna said: Among those devotees who are always steadily engaged in Your worship, and those who also worship the imperishable, unmanifest Brahman—who is considered to be the most perfect in yoga?

Hindi:  अर्जुन ने कहा: उन भक्तों में, जो सदा आपकी भक्ति में लगे रहते हैं, और जो अक्षर और अव्यक्त ब्रह्म की भी उपासना करते हैं—इनमें से योग में श्रेष्ठ कौन हैं?

 

Shloka 12.2: śhrī-bhagavān uvācha | mayy āveśhya mano ye māṁ nitya-yuktā upāsate | śhraddhayā parayopetās te me yuktatamā matāḥ || 12.2 ||

English:  The Blessed Lord said: Those who, fixing their minds on Me, worship Me with supreme faith and are always steadfast in devotion—they are considered by Me to be the most perfect.

Hindi:  भगवान ने कहा: जो लोग मेरा ध्यान मुझमें लगाकर, श्रद्धा और भक्ति से मुझसे सदा जुड़े रहते हैं, वे मुझे योग में श्रेष्ठ लगते हैं।

 

Shloka 12.3-12.4: ye tv akṣharam anirdeśhyam avyaktaṁ paryupāsate | sarvatra-gam achintyaṁ cha kūṭa-stham achalaṁ dhruvam || 12.3 ||

sanniyamyendriya-grāmaṁ sarvatra sama-buddhayaḥ | te prāpnuvanti mām eva sarva-bhūta-hite ratāḥ || 12.4 ||

English:  But those who worship the imperishable, the indescribable, the unmanifest, the all-pervading, the inconceivable, the immutable, the eternal; controlling all the senses, being even-minded everywhere, and engaged in the welfare of all beings—such persons also attain Me.

Hindi:  जो लोग अक्षर, अनिर्देश्य, अव्यक्त, सर्वव्यापी, अचिन्त्य, अचल, और ध्रुव की उपासना करते हैं; इंद्रियों को संयम में रखते हैं, हर जगह समदर्शी रहते हैं, और सभी प्राणियों के कल्याण में लगे रहते हैं—वे भी मुझे प्राप्त करते हैं।

 

Shloka 12.5: kleśho ’dhikataras teṣhām avyaktāsakta-chetasām | avyaktā hi gatir duḥkhaṁ dehavadbhir avāpyate || 12.5 ||

English:  The difficulty for those whose minds are set on the unmanifest is greater; for the path of the unmanifest is difficult for embodied beings to attain.

Hindi:  जिनके मन अव्यक्त पर लगे होते हैं, उनके लिए कठिनाई अधिक होती है; क्योंकि अव्यक्त का मार्ग देहधारियों के लिए प्राप्त करना कठिन है।

 

Shloka 12.6-12.7: ye tu sarvāṇi karmāṇi mayi sannyasya mat-parāḥ | ananyenaiva yogena māṁ dhyāyanta upāsate || 12.6 ||

teṣhām ahaṁ samuddhartā mṛityu-saṁsāra-sāgarāt | bhavāmi na chirāt pārtha mayy āveśhita-chetasām || 12.7 ||

English:  But those who worship Me, giving up all actions unto Me, regarding Me as the Supreme, meditating on Me with exclusive devotion—to them, whose minds are fixed on Me, O Partha, I become the swift deliverer from the ocean of birth and death.

Hindi:  परंतु जो लोग मुझे ही परम मानकर, अपने सभी कर्म मुझमें समर्पित कर देते हैं, और अनन्य भक्ति से मेरा ध्यान करते हैं—उनके लिए, जिनके मन मुझमें लगे हुए हैं, हे पार्थ, मैं मृत्यु-संसार के सागर से उनका शीघ्र ही उद्धार करता हूँ।

 

Shloka 12.8: mayy eva mana ādhatsva mayi buddhiṁ niveśhaya | nivasiṣhyasi mayy eva ata ūrdhvaṁ na sanśhayaḥ || 12.8 ||

English:  Fix your mind on Me alone, place your intellect in Me; thereafter, you shall undoubtedly live in Me.

Hindi:  अपना मन मुझमें ही लगाओ, अपनी बुद्धि मुझमें निवेश करो; इसके बाद तुम निस्संदेह मुझमें ही निवास करोगे।

 

Shloka 12.9: atha chittaṁ samādhātuṁ na śhaknoṣhi mayi sthiram | abhyāsa-yogena tato mām ichchhāptuṁ dhanañjaya || 12.9 ||

English:  If you are unable to fix your mind steadily on Me, then by constant practice of devotion, seek to reach Me, O Dhananjaya (Arjuna).

Hindi:  यदि तुम अपना मन मुझमें स्थिर नहीं कर सकते, तो अभ्यास योग के द्वारा मेरी प्राप्ति की इच्छा करो, हे धनंजय (अर्जुन)।

 

Shloka 12.10: abhyāse ’py asamartho ’si mat-karma-paramo bhava | mad-artham api karmāṇi kurvan siddhim avāpsyasi || 12.10 ||

English:  If you are also unable to practice, be intent on performing actions for My sake. By working for Me, you shall attain perfection.

Hindi:  यदि तुम अभ्यास में भी असमर्थ हो, तो मेरा कार्य करने में संलग्न रहो। मेरे लिए कार्य करते हुए तुम सिद्धि प्राप्त करोगे।

 

Shloka 12.11: athaitad apy aśhakto ’si kartuṁ mad-yogam āśhritaḥ | sarva-karma-phala-tyāgaṁ tataḥ kuru yatātmavān || 12.11 ||

English:  If you are unable to do even this, then taking refuge in Me, with a controlled mind, renounce the fruits of all your actions.

Hindi:  यदि तुम यह भी करने में असमर्थ हो, तो मुझमें शरण लेकर, आत्मसंयमी बनकर, सभी कर्मों के फलों का त्याग करो।

 

Shloka 12.12: śhreyo hi jñānam abhyāsāj jñānād dhyānaṁ viśhiṣhyate | dhyānāt karma-phala-tyāgas tyāgāch chhāntir anantaram || 12.12 ||

English:  Knowledge is better than practice, meditation is superior to knowledge, and renunciation of the fruits of action is even superior to meditation, for peace immediately follows renunciation.

Hindi:  अभ्यास से ज्ञान श्रेष्ठ है, ध्यान ज्ञान से भी श्रेष्ठ है, और कर्मों के फलों का त्याग ध्यान से भी श्रेष्ठ है, क्योंकि त्याग के बाद शांति तुरंत प्राप्त होती है।

 

Shloka 12.13-12.14: adveṣhṭā sarva-bhūtānāṁ maitraḥ karuṇa eva cha | nirmamo nirahaṅkāraḥ sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ kṣhamī || 12.13 ||

santuṣhṭaḥ satataṁ yogī yatātmā dṛiḍha-niśhchayaḥ | mayy arpitamano-buddhir yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ || 12.14 ||

English:  He who is free from malice towards all beings, who is friendly and compassionate, who is free from attachment and ego, who is even-minded in pain and pleasure, and forgiving;

Always content, mentally disciplined, firm in conviction, with mind and intellect dedicated to Me—such a devotee of Mine is dear to Me.

Hindi:  जो सभी प्राणियों से द्वेष से रहित है, मित्रवत और दयालु है, ममता और अहंकार से मुक्त है, सुख-दुःख में समान रहता है, और क्षमाशील है;

जो सदा संतुष्ट, मन से संयमी, दृढ़ निश्चय वाला है, जिसका मन और बुद्धि मुझमें अर्पित है—ऐसा भक्त मुझे प्रिय है।

 

Shloka 12.15: yasmān no ’dvijate loko lokān no dvijate cha yaḥ | harṣhāmarṣha-bhayodvegair mukto yaḥ sa cha me priyaḥ || 12.15 ||

English:  He by whom the world is not agitated, and who cannot be agitated by the world, who is free from joy, envy, fear, and anxiety—such a person is dear to Me.

Hindi:  जिससे संसार विचलित नहीं होता, और जो स्वयं संसार से विचलित नहीं होता, जो हर्ष, ईर्ष्या, भय, और चिंता से मुक्त है—ऐसा व्यक्ति मुझे प्रिय है।

 

Shloka 12.16: anapekṣhaḥ śhuchir dakṣha udāsīno gata-vyathaḥ | sarvārambha-parityāgī yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ || 12.16 ||

English:  He who is free from dependence, who is pure, skilled, indifferent, free from distress, who has renounced all endeavors—such a devotee is dear to Me.

Hindi:  जो आसक्तियों से मुक्त है, शुद्ध है, कुशल है, उदासीन है, दुःख से रहित है, जिसने सभी प्रारंभों का त्याग किया है—ऐसा भक्त मुझे प्रिय है।

 

Shloka 12.17: yo na hṛiṣhyati na dveṣhṭi na śhochati na kāṅkṣhati | śhubhāśhubha-parityāgī bhaktimān yaḥ sa me priyaḥ || 12.17 ||

English:  He who neither rejoices nor hates, nor grieves nor desires, who has renounced both good and evil actions, and who is full of devotion—such a person is dear to Me.

Hindi:  जो न हर्ष करता है, न द्वेष करता है, न शोक करता है, न इच्छा करता है, जिसने शुभ और अशुभ कर्मों का त्याग किया है, और जो भक्ति से युक्त है—ऐसा व्यक्ति मुझे प्रिय है।

 

Shloka 12.18-19: samaḥ śhatrau cha mitre cha tathā mānāpamānayoḥ | śhītoṣhṇa-sukha-duḥkheṣhu samaḥ saṅga-vivarjitaḥ || 12.18 ||

tulya-nindā-stutir maunī santuṣhṭo yena kenachit | aniketaḥ sthira-matir bhaktimān me priyo naraḥ || 12.19 ||

English:  He who is equal to friend and foe, who remains the same in honor and dishonor, in heat and cold, in pleasure and pain, who is free from attachment;

To whom praise and blame are equal, who is silent, content with anything, homeless, steady in mind, and full of devotion—such a person is dear to Me.

Hindi:  जो मित्र और शत्रु दोनों के प्रति समान भाव रखता है, मान और अपमान में भी समान रहता है, गर्मी और सर्दी, सुख और दुःख में समान रहता है, और आसक्ति से मुक्त है;

जिसके लिए प्रशंसा और निंदा समान हैं, जो मौन है, किसी भी परिस्थिति में संतुष्ट है, निवास रहित है, जिसका मन स्थिर है, और जो भक्ति से युक्त है—ऐसा व्यक्ति मुझे प्रिय है।

 

Shloka 12.20: ye tu dharmāmṛitam idaṁ yathoktaṁ paryupāsate | śhraddadhānā mat-paramā bhaktās te ’tīva me priyāḥ || 12.20 ||

English:  Those who follow this nectar of immortal dharma as described, with faith and devotion, making Me their supreme goal—such devotees are exceedingly dear to Me.

Hindi:  जो लोग इस अमृत धर्म का पालन करते हैं, जैसा कि मैंने वर्णित किया है, श्रद्धा और भक्ति से, मुझे परम लक्ष्य मानकर—ऐसे भक्त मुझे अत्यंत प्रिय हैं।

 

 

Here is a comprehensive Summary of Chapter 12:

 

Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita is titled ‘Bhakti Yoga’, which means the "Yoga of Devotion". In this chapter, Krishna discusses the nature of devotion and the characteristics of those who are truly devoted to Him.

The Forms of Devotion (Verses 1-5)

Arjuna begins the chapter by asking Krishna about which form of devotion is better—worshipping the personal form of Krishna or contemplating on the unmanifest Brahman. Krishna explains that while both paths can lead to liberation, the path of devotion to His personal form is easier and more suitable for those who are embodied beings, as worshipping the unmanifest is very challenging.

The Path of Bhakti (Verses 6-12)

Krishna emphasizes that those who worship Him with exclusive devotion, giving up all actions to Him, are swiftly delivered from the ocean of birth and death. Krishna offers various levels of devotion, making the spiritual path accessible to all:

1. Fixing the mind on Krishna.
2. Practicing constant devotion.
3. Performing actions for Krishna's sake.
4. Renouncing the fruits of all actions.

Each of these paths allows a devotee to move closer to Krishna based on their individual capacity and level of dedication.

Analysis of the Devotee’s Qualities (Verses 13-20)

Krishna's description of the qualities of an ideal devotee in Chapter 12 serves as a spiritual benchmark for those walking the path of Bhakti Yoga. These qualities underscore the virtues and mental dispositions that draw one closer to the Supreme Being. Let’s explore these characteristics in depth:

Freedom from Malice and Compassionate Nature (Adveṣṭā Sarva-bhūtānāṁ)

• The absence of malice (adveṣṭā) toward all living beings represents a state of complete emotional maturity where hatred or ill-will is replaced with understanding.
• Such a devotee is not only free from hatred but also actively compassionate (maitraḥ karuṇaḥ). Compassion is a fundamental aspect of universal love, where a devotee empathizes with the suffering of all beings and is motivated to be of service to alleviate it.

Detachment from Ego and Possessiveness (Nirmamo Nirahaṅkāraḥ)

• Detachment from both ego (nirahaṅkāra) and possessiveness (nirmamo) is crucial for spiritual progress. The sense of "I" and "mine" creates a separation between the self and the Supreme, and overcoming this separation enables a devotee to connect with the divine essence that is present in all.

Equanimity and Forgiveness (Sama-Duḥkha-Sukhaḥ, Kṣhamī)

• A devotee maintains equanimity in pleasure and pain (sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ), accepting life’s ups and downs with an even mind. This quality reflects a profound spiritual maturity, where external circumstances no longer disturb the devotee's inner peace.
• Forgiveness (kṣhamī) is another important attribute, as holding on to grievances hinders spiritual growth. The true devotee willingly forgives all, thus remaining in a state of love and non-reactivity.

Contentment and Self-Control (Santuṣṭaḥ, Yatātmā)

• Being content (santuṣṭaḥ) with whatever one has is one of the hallmarks of devotion. A devotee is satisfied within, irrespective of the material gains or losses in life. Contentment is a powerful virtue that protects one from unnecessary desires, which often lead to suffering.
• Self-control (yatātmā) involves mastery over one’s senses and mind. It is through self-control that a devotee directs their energies towards divine service rather than allowing the senses to scatter the mind.

Firm Conviction and Steadfastness (Dṛiḍha-Niśhchayaḥ)

• The determination (dṛiḍha-niśhchaya) to stay steadfast on the spiritual path, regardless of obstacles, reflects the commitment to bhakti. This unwavering focus allows the devotee to persist in their practices, even during challenging times.

No Enmity and Equanimity Towards All (Sarvārambha-Parityāgī, Samaḥ Śhatrau Cha Mitre)

• A devotee does not harbor enmity towards anyone (anapekṣhaḥ), and they remain even-minded towards friend and foe alike. This equanimity is a demonstration of universal love, wherein the devotee’s vision is not clouded by preferences or biases.
• The devotee also renounces the attachment to the outcome of any undertakings (sarvārambha-parityāgī), working not for personal gain but as an offering to the divine.

Free from Joy, Fear, and Distress (Na Hṛiṣhyati Na Dveṣhṭi)

• The devotee is unaffected by the polarities of life—joy or sorrow, gain or loss. This state of detachment indicates a person who has transcended the egoic reactions and attained inner peace.
• Being free from fear and distress is indicative of a trust in the Supreme Will. When one is surrendered to the divine, there is no anxiety about what may happen because everything is seen as Krishna’s arrangement.

Maintaining Silence, Free from Praise and Blame (Maunī, Tulya-Nindā-Stutir)

• Silence (maunī) does not merely mean the absence of speech; it means maintaining internal tranquility and not engaging in unnecessary or hurtful conversations. It involves having control over speech, ensuring that what is spoken is beneficial and true.
• The devotee remains equal whether they are praised or blamed. This indicates an absence of ego, where external validation or criticism does not affect the devotee’s sense of self-worth.

Homelessness and Steadiness of Mind (Aniketaḥ, Sthira-Matir)

• Homelessness (aniketaḥ) signifies non-attachment to material possessions or a particular place. It suggests that the devotee’s real home is the Supreme, and hence they do not cling to worldly attachments.
• Steadiness of mind (sthira-matir) is essential for maintaining one’s focus on the divine. Despite all distractions and challenges, the devotee’s attention remains fixed on Krishna.

Bhakti as the Supreme Path

In these verses, Krishna presents Bhakti Yoga as the most accessible and personal of all the yogic paths. While the Jnana (knowledge) and Karma (action) paths are also valid, they require a level of intellectual comprehension or discipline that can be challenging for most people. Bhakti, on the other hand, relies on love, surrender, and a deep personal relationship with the divine, making it easier for the majority of individuals.

Krishna emphasizes that a true devotee is exceedingly dear to Him. The qualities that Krishna describes are those that cultivate humility, service, and surrender. They lead to inner purification and allow the individual to become an instrument of divine will.

Progressive Levels of Spiritual Practice

One of the key teachings of Chapter 12 is Krishna’s inclusive approach to spirituality. He provides several paths for Arjuna, depending on one’s capacity:

1. Direct Fixation of Mind: For those capable of directly focusing on Krishna with exclusive devotion, this is the ideal path.
2. Practice of Devotion: For those unable to keep their mind constantly on Him, Krishna advises regular practice—developing devotion gradually.
3. Action for Krishna's Sake: If that is also difficult, Krishna suggests performing actions for His sake—engaging in karma yoga as an offering.
4. Renunciation of Results: Finally, if one is unable to dedicate actions directly to Him, simply renouncing the fruits of one’s actions is also a path towards spiritual growth.

This progressive structure emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each individual can find their own way towards Krishna based on their inclination, capacity, and circumstances.

Chapter 12, ‘Bhakti Yoga’, emphasizes the power of devotion as the most effective and accessible means of attaining union with the Supreme. Krishna reveals the qualities of those who are dear to Him, providing an aspirational template for all spiritual seekers. The essence of bhakti lies in the emotional connection with the divine, the selfless love and the complete surrender of one’s ego and actions to Krishna.

The path of bhakti is characterized by the cultivation of inner virtues like compassion, equanimity, contentment, and forgiveness. These qualities transform the devotee from within, making them more attuned to the divine presence. Krishna assures Arjuna that all who develop these qualities and follow the path of devotion will be exceedingly dear to Him and will attain the ultimate spiritual goal.

The practicality of Bhakti Yoga, with its emphasis on love, surrender, and grace, is what makes it such a powerful and effective path for spiritual transformation. Through these teachings, Krishna invites all beings to enter into a loving relationship with the divine, to see Him in all beings, and ultimately to become one with Him.