Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12, Verse 16

English Translation

He who has no desires, who is pure, who is dextrous, who is impartial, who is free from fear, who has renounced every undertaking-he who is (such) a devotee of Mine is dear to Me.

Detailed Commentary

'Anapekṣaḥ' — A *bhakta* considers Bhagavān to be the highest. In his view, there is no greater gain than *Bhagavatprāpti*. Therefore, he has no attraction to any worldly object. He even considers his body, senses, mind, and intellect to belong to Bhagavān. Hence, he has no worry even for the sustenance of his body. No matter how great a calamity befalls the *bhakta*, it has no adverse effect on his *citta*. Even in dire circumstances, he remains immersed, witnessing Bhagavān's *lilās*. Therefore, he does not desire favorable conditions. Perishable things do not last; their separation is inevitable. And there is never any separation from the imperishable Paramātmā. By knowing this truth, a *bhakta* naturally does not develop a desire for perishable things. It is noteworthy that there is no rule that things for the body's sustenance are obtained merely by desiring them. In reality, the necessary provisions for the body's sustenance are received automatically because Bhagavān has already managed the sustenance of all *jīvas*. A strong desire for a necessary item can hinder us from receiving it from others. On the contrary, the needs of detached renunciants and children are spontaneously felt by others, and they happily manage their sustenance. This proves that necessary items are easily obtained without asking. Some *bhaktas* have no expectation even for the *darshan* of Bhagavān. If Bhagavān grants *darshan*, there is *ānanda*; if He does not, there is still *ānanda*. He remains pleased merely by seeing Bhagavān's pleasure. Bhagavān Himself follows such a *nirapekṣa bhakta*. Those who perform *bhakti* to Bhagavān while desiring some object are, in reality, devotees of that very object, because they perform Bhagavān's *bhakti* for that object. But Bhagavān accepts even such a devotee, because he relies only on Bhagavān. Bhagavān fulfills that desire and then makes him *nispṛha* (desireless). 'Śuciḥ' — The *bhakta's* *śarīra* (body) is exceedingly pure because *ahaṁtā-mamatā* (egoism and possessiveness) do not reside in it. Due to the absence of impurities like *rāga-dveṣa* (attachment and aversion), *harṣa-śoka* (joy and sorrow), etc., in his *antaḥkaraṇa* (inner being), his *antaḥkaraṇa* also becomes pure. 'Dakṣaḥ' — One who has fulfilled the purpose of their life is truly *dakṣa*. The purpose of human life is *Bhagavatprāpti*. One who has attained this is truly wise. 'Udāsīnaḥ' — Neutral, free from partiality. The *bhakta*, without being a part of any situation, helps everyone. 'Gatavyathaḥ' — His *citta* remains undisturbed whether he gains something or not. He experiences neither *duḥkha* (sorrow) nor worry. 'Sarvārambhaparityāgī' — Renunciation of undertaking new actions with the purpose of *bhoga* (enjoyment) and *saṁgraha* (accumulation). The *bhakta's* only purpose is Bhagavān, nothing else of any other kind. 'Yo madbhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ' — He who has exclusive love for Bhagavān is dear to Bhagavān. This proves that a *bhakta's* true love is solely in Bhagavān.