Chapter 12 · Bhakti Yoga — The Yoga of DevotionKrishna
Verse 16
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 12, श्लोक 16
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
अनपेक्षः शुचिर्दक्ष उदासीनो गतव्यथः।
सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी यो मद्भक्तः स मे प्रियः॥
Transliteration
Anapekshah Shuchir-Daksha Udasino Gata-Vyathah.
Sarva-Arambha-Parityagi Yo Mad-Bhaktah Sa Me Priyah.
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
अनपेक्षःanapekshahwithout expectations
शुचिःshuchihpure
दक्षःdakshahskillful/capable
उदासीनःudasinahimpartial
गतव्यथःgata-vyathahfree from distress
सर्वारम्भपरित्यागीsarva-arambha-parityagirenouncing all self-centered undertakings
मद्भक्तःmad-bhaktahMy devotee
प्रियःpriyahdear
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
जो अपेक्षारहित, शुद्ध (पवित्र), दक्ष (कुशल), तटस्थ (निष्पक्ष), व्यथारहित और सब स्वार्थपूर्ण आरम्भों का त्यागी है — वह मेरा भक्त मुझे प्रिय है।
English Translation
He who is free from expectations, pure, skillful, impartial, free from distress, and who renounces all selfish undertakings — such a devotee of Mine is dear to Me.
Commentary (टीका)
Six more qualities of the ideal devotee: freedom from expectation, inner purity, competence, impartiality, freedom from anxiety, and renunciation of selfish initiatives. Notably, 'daksha' (skillful) shows that devotion does not mean incompetence — a devotee should be capable and efficient in worldly matters while remaining spiritually grounded.