Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12, Verse 13

English Translation

One who is free from hatred toward all beings, who is friendly and compassionate, free from possessiveness and ego, equal in pleasure and pain, and forgiving —

Detailed Commentary

12.13. Explanation: 'Adveṣṭā Sarvabhūtānām' (one who bears no ill-will to any being) – There are two types of those who cause harm: (1) those who obstruct the attainment of one's desired good, and (2) those who cause one to encounter misfortune. No matter how adversely someone behaves towards a devotee's body, mind, intellect, senses, or principles; whether they obstruct their desired good or inflict harm, the devotee harbors no hatred (dveṣa) towards them in their heart. The reason for this is that the devotee sees their Bhagavān in every living being. They understand that all actions occur by the grace of Bhagavān, and that everything is a divine play (līlā) of Bhagavān. Every creature is a part (aṁśa) of Bhagavān. Therefore, hatred towards any living being is hatred towards Bhagavān. Only by remaining free from hatred towards all beings is love for Bhagavān possible. Hence, a devotee is devoid of hatred towards all beings. 'Maitraḥ Karuṇa Eva Ca' (friendly and compassionate) – In the devotee's mind, there is a feeling of friendship (maitrī) and compassion (dayā) towards all beings. Bhagavān is the well-wisher (suhṛd) of all beings. Therefore, a devotee also becomes the well-wisher of all. They maintain feelings of friendship and compassion towards everyone without selfishness. Even towards those who cause harm, they behave with friendship, for they feel that the harm is part of Bhagavān's plan, and that by making them an instrument in this harm, their sins are being destroyed. 'Nirmamaḥ' (free from possessiveness) – A devotee has no feeling of possessiveness (mamatā) towards anyone. They hold no possessiveness towards material objects or the body, and they also remove possessiveness from their own body, mind, and intellect. In this way, they become free from the bondage of the material world (saṁsāra). 'Nirahaṅkāraḥ' (free from ego) – A devotee's ego (ahaṅkāra) towards their body, etc., vanishes. They are always in relation with Bhagavān. Their qualities also belong to Bhagavān; therefore, they are beyond ego. 'Samaduḥkhasukhaḥ' (equanimous in sorrow and joy) – A devotee remains equanimous (sama) in sorrow and joy. They are aware of favorable and unfavorable situations, but they experience no elation (harṣa), grief (śoka), or agitation (vikāra). Being free from agitation, a devotee truly remains equanimous in sorrow and joy. 'Kṣamī' (forgiving) – A devotee forgives those who commit offenses against them and wishes that they not be punished. This quality of forgiveness (kṣamā-bhāva) is a characteristic of a devotee. 'Santuṣṭaḥ Satatam' (ever-content) – A devotee finds contentment (santoṣa) only in Bhagavān and has no need for any worldly object. They are always content in Bhagavān. 'Yogī' (a yogi) – A devotee remains constantly united (saṁyukta) with Bhagavān. They become a yogī because they genuinely experience no separation (viccheda) between themselves and Bhagavān. 'Yatātmā' (self-controlled) – A devotee's mind (manas), intellect (buddhi), and senses (indriyas) remain under their control. Due to detachment (virakti) from the material world (saṁsāra), their mind always follows the path of righteousness (sanmārga). 'Dṛḍhaniścayaḥ' (firmly resolved) – In a devotee's intellect, only the existence (sattā) of Bhagavān is present. They do not believe in the independent existence of the world (saṁsāra) and maintain a firm resolve (dṛḍhaniścaya) in Bhagavān. 'Mayyarpitamanobuddhiḥ' (whose mind and intellect are dedicated to Me) – A devotee's mind and intellect remain dedicated (samarpita) to Bhagavān. They remain immersed in the love of Bhagavān. 'Yaḥ Madbhaktaḥ Sa Me Priyaḥ' (that devotee of Mine is dear to Me) – Bhagavān loves everyone, but a devotee is especially dear (priya) to Bhagavān because their love is connected with Bhagavān.