Friday, 15 May 2026

BG 12.16. A dakshah. A skillful

 Bhagavad Gita

Sanskrit:

अनपेक्षः शुचिर्दक्ष उदासीनो गतव्यथः ।
सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी यो मद्भक्तः स मे प्रियः ॥ १२.१६ ॥

Transliteration:

anapekṣhaḥ śuchir dakṣha udāsīno gata-vyathaḥ
sarvārambha-parityāgī yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ

English Translation:

“One who is free from dependence and expectation, pure, skillful, impartial, free from anxiety, and who has renounced ego-driven undertakings — such a devotee of Mine is dear to Me.”

This verse continues Krishna’s description of the qualities of a true bhakta (devotee). Each word is dense with meaning:

  • Anapekṣhaḥ — not dependent on outcomes or external validation
  • Śuchiḥ — inwardly and outwardly pure
  • Dakṣhaḥ — alert, capable, sincere in action
  • Udāsīnaḥ — inwardly balanced, not entangled
  • Gata-vyathaḥ — free from mental agitation and distress
  • Sarvārambha-parityāgī — one who abandons ego-motivated initiatives and restless ambition

The verse is not promoting passivity. It points toward action without inner compulsiveness — living, serving, and acting from steadiness rather than egoic striving.

Many teachers interpret this as the natural fragrance of mature devotion:
when love becomes free from possession, fear, and self-centeredness, it becomes bhakti.


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