यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च य: ।
हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो य: स च मे प्रिय: ॥ १५ ॥
yasmān nodvijate loko lokān nodvijate cha yaḥ
harṣhāmarṣha-bhayodvegair mukto yaḥ sa cha me priyaḥ
श्लोक १५: जो दूसरों से विचलित नहीं होता और दूसरों को उत्तेजित नहीं करता, और जो हर्ष, ईर्ष्या, भय और चिन्ता से मुक्त रहता है, ऐसा मनुष्य मुझे बहुत प्रिय है।
Shloka 15: He who is unperturbed by others and does not provoke others and who remains free from joy, envy, fear and anxiety– such a person is very dear to Me.
In this verse of the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna draws a vibrant portrait of the ideal devotee, one who navigates the turbulent waters of life with remarkable composure. He speaks of a person who neither causes agitation in others nor is himself perturbed by the actions of others. This twofold quality reflects a deep-rooted inner stability, unfazed by external events or the behavior of people around them. The verse highlights a profound level of equanimity and self-mastery that transcends ordinary emotional responses.
The phrase “by whom the world is not agitated and who is not agitated by the world” sets a high standard. It speaks to those rare individuals whose presence brings peace, never disturbance. They interact with the world in such a way that no one feels threatened, hurt, or distressed by them. At the same time, they are not easily ruffled by the circumstances or the people they encounter. This could be a friend’s harsh word, a colleague’s abruptness, or the unexpected twists of daily life—none of these unsettle the devotee’s mind. Their peace of mind is not a fragile state dependent on perfect circumstances, but a robust calm born from spiritual maturity.
The verse then specifies four powerful emotions that often disturb human minds: happiness (harṣa), intolerance or jealousy (āmarṣa), fear (bhaya), and anxiety (udvega). Most people experience a surge of excitement when things go their way, or a wave of jealousy when they witness others’ success. Fear—of loss, of change, of uncertainty—can grip even the strongest hearts, while anxiety about the future can cloud decision-making and inner peace. The devotee described here is one who has become free from the hold of these emotions, not by suppressing them but by transcending them. Their source of contentment lies much deeper, untouched by the ebb and flow of daily events.
This equanimity is not a passive absence of reaction, but an active inner resilience. When insults are hurled, the devoted soul does not retaliate or carry bitterness. When praise is offered, they receive it with humility rather than pride. The verse does not suggest the absence of emotion, but rather the mastery of emotion—where one’s mind remains balanced, undisturbed by both the spikes and crashes of life’s experiences. Such stability is rare and admired, and Sri Krishna affirms that those who reach this state are especially dear to Him.
To understand this in practical terms, consider the calm of a deep lake. Surface winds create only passing ripples; beneath, the water remains still. Similarly, the true devotee does not allow surface-level disturbances—the momentary irritations or excitements—to penetrate the depths of their consciousness. This tranquility is not acquired overnight, but developed through practice, reflection, and a steady focus on the Divine. It is a peace anchored in the eternal, not the fleeting dramas of the world.
There is also a profound ethical dimension to this verse. By not disturbing others, the devotee becomes a source of harmony and comfort wherever they go. Their speech, actions, and even thoughts are filtered through a lens of compassion and non-harm. They walk softly in the world, contributing to its peace rather than its chaos. This quality makes such individuals easy to trust, easy to confide in, and naturally respected by people of all backgrounds.
At the heart of this verse is the connection between spiritual realization and human relationships. The person who is free from agitation does not withdraw from the world or disconnect from society. Instead, they engage more fully, but with a steadiness that is rare and transformative. Their peace is contagious; being in their presence has a calming effect on others. In times of crisis or conflict, such a devotee becomes a pillar of stability, their composed manner offering reassurance and strength.
Ultimately, Sri Krishna’s words inspire us to aim for this ideal—a life where inner calm is not easily shaken, and where our presence in the world brings relief rather than distress. The verse invites reflection on the kind of energy we emit and absorb each day, and how much of our peace depends on things outside ourselves. It assures us that the capacity for such equanimity is within reach for anyone who earnestly seeks it, and that this is a quality beloved by the Divine.
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