Chapter 12 · Bhakti Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 12.13

अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्रः करुण एव च। निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः समदुःखसुखः क्षमी॥

adveṣṭā sarvabhūtānāṃ maitraḥ karuṇa eva ca nirmamo nirahaṅkāraḥ samaduḥkhasukhaḥ kṣamī

Meaning

He who is incapable of hatred towards any being, who is kind and compassionate, free from selfishness, without pride, equable in pleasure and pain, and forgiving—

Understanding this verse

Simple meaning

Krishna begins describing the people dear to him: those who hate no one, who are friendly and compassionate, free from selfishness and ego, steady in pleasure and pain, and forgiving.

In real life

A woman chooses to forgive a relative who hurt her years ago. The relationship isn't perfect, but she is no longer carrying the weight.

A shopkeeper treats every customer kindly, including the rude ones, and becomes the most trusted shop in the neighbourhood.

Try this today: Think of one person you're holding a grudge against. Do one small kind thing, even just a kind thought, toward them.

What's your duvidha?

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English translation by Shri Purohit Swami (1935), public domain. Sanskrit text in the public domain. About Duvidha