A core teaching · calming in mood · easy to enter
“True devotion leaves no wake of disturbance.”
The one who disturbs no one and is disturbed by no one, and who is free from delight, envy, fear, and agitation, is dear to me.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Hover a word to focus on it.
Read literallyfrom whom · does not become agitated · the world · from the world · does not become agitated · and · who · delight · resentment · fear · with agitations · freed · who · he · and · to me · dear
A beloved devotee does not unsettle others and is not easily unsettled by others. Freedom from excitement, envy, fear, and agitation is part of true devotion.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Bhakti Yoga" (The Yoga of Devotion).
Verse 15 sits in Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita — Bhakti Yoga, "The Yoga of Devotion". The chapter has 20 verses in total.
Someone cuts you off in traffic, then flips you off through the window. The old reflex rises fast. This verse points to a steadier way: no inner spike, no need to pass the disturbance onward.
Did you like this verse?
It shifts the mind from reactive emotion to settled presence that does not spread agitation.
What this verse means
A beloved devotee does not unsettle others and is not easily unsettled by others. Freedom from excitement, envy, fear, and agitation is part of true devotion.
Context & commentary
Krishna is still answering Arjuna on the battlefield, where every quality is tested under pressure. After describing the devotee as steady, humble, and devoted, he adds one more mark: such a person does not disturb others and is not disturbed by them.
Why this verse still matters
Someone cuts you off in traffic, then flips you off through the window. The old reflex rises fast. This verse points to a steadier way: no inner spike, no need to pass the disturbance onward.
“There is deep relief in not needing to react, compete, or defend yourself.”
Explore related themes: bhakti (69 verses), equanimity (23 verses)