Chapter 12, Verse 13
अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्र: करुण एव च | निर्ममो निरहङ्कार: समदु:खसुख: क्षमी ॥13॥
adveṣṭā sarva-bhūtānāṁ maitraḥ karuṇa eva ca
nirmamo nirahankāraḥ sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ kṣamī
"He who is not hateful towards any creature, who is friendly and compassionate, who has no idea of 'mine' and the idea of egoism, who is the same under sorrow and happiness, who is forgiving;"
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 12.13 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 12.13 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
In this verse, Lord Krishna defines the internal traits of a dear devotee. 'Adveṣṭā' implies a lack of malice even toward enemies, recognizing the Divine presence in everyone. 'Maitraḥ' and 'Karuṇaḥ' denote a proactive friendliness and sympathy toward others' suffering. 'Nirmamaḥ' (without possessiveness) and 'Nirahankāraḥ' (without ego) target the root of suffering—the false identification with the body and its belongings. 'Sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ' describes equanimity, accepting life's dualities as the will of God, while 'Kṣamī' represents the strength of forgiveness, choosing internal peace over the desire for retribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 12.13?
He who is not hateful towards any creature, who is friendly and compassionate, who has no idea of 'mine' and the idea of egoism, who is the same under sorrow and happiness, who is forgiving;