Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 12 · Bhakti Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 12.16 अनपेक्षः शुचिर्दक्ष उदासीनो गतव्यथः
श्लोक 12.16
अनपेक्षः शुचिर्दक्ष उदासीनो गतव्यथः ।
सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी यो मद्भक्तः स मे प्रियः ॥
anapekṣaḥ śucirdakṣa udāsīno gatavyathaḥ |
sarvārambhaparityāgī yo madbhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जो किसी चीज़ की अपेक्षा नहीं रखता, पवित्र और कुशल है, पक्षपात से दूर और व्यथा से मुक्त है, तथा जिसने स्वार्थ से प्रेरित सब कार्य छोड़ दिए हैं, वह मेरा भक्त मुझे प्रिय है।
Meaning in English
One who expects nothing, who is pure and capable, unconcerned and untroubled, and who has given up self-centred undertakings — that devotee of Mine is dear to Me.
Bhagavad Gita 12.16 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अनपेक्षः | anapekṣaḥ | free from expectation |
| शुचिः | śuciḥ | pure |
| दक्षः | dakṣaḥ | skilful, capable |
| उदासीनः | udāsīnaḥ | unconcerned, impartial |
| गत-व्यथः | gata-vyathaḥ | free from distress |
| सर्व-आरम्भ-परित्यागी | sarva-ārambha-parityāgī | renouncing all selfish undertakings |
| यः मत्-भक्तः | yaḥ mat-bhaktaḥ | who is my devotee |
| सः मे प्रियः | saḥ me priyaḥ | he is dear to me |
Explanation
One who expects nothing, who is pure, capable, impartial and free from distress, who gives up all selfish undertakings — that devotee of mine is dear to me.
Verses 13–20 describe the qualities of the devotee dear to God. Notice "daksha", capable: the devotee is not careless or passive, but skilful and effective — without selfish motive.
भावार्थ
जो अपेक्षा-रहित, पवित्र, कुशल, पक्षपात-रहित और व्यथा-रहित है, जो सब स्वार्थपूर्ण आरम्भों का त्यागी है — वह मेरा भक्त मुझे प्रिय है।
Living it today
Be good at what you do — skill and devotion go together.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 12.16?
One who expects nothing, who is pure, capable, impartial and free from distress, who gives up all selfish undertakings — that devotee of mine is dear to me.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 12.16?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 12 (Bhakti Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 12.16 in daily life?
Be good at what you do — skill and devotion go together.
Reflected on verse 12.16?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.