Chapter 12, Verse 17
यो न हृष्यति न द्वेष्टि न शोचति न काङ् क्षति | शुभाशुभपरित्यागी भक्तिमान्य: स मे प्रिय: ॥17॥
yo na hṛṣyati na dveṣṭi na śocati na kāṅkṣati | śubhāśubha-parityāgī bhaktimān yaḥ sa me priyaḥ
"He who neither rejoices nor hates, neither grieves nor desires, and who has renounced both good and evil—such a devotee is very dear to Me."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 12.17 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 12.17 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse describes the emotional equanimity of a true devotee. A 'Bhaktimān' is one whose internal state is not dictated by external circumstances. They do not get over-excited by gain (hṛṣyati) or feel malice toward others (dveṣṭi). They do not lament past losses (śocati) or anxiously hanker for future gains (kāṅkṣati). By rising above the dualities of 'shubha' (auspicious/good) and 'ashubha' (inauspicious/evil) through the lens of devotion, their actions become 'akarma' or selfless service. Their joy is derived from divine connection, making the highs and lows of the material world appear as insignificant as a candle flame under the midday sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 12.17?
He who neither rejoices nor hates, neither grieves nor desires, and who has renounced both good and evil—such a devotee is very dear to Me.