Bhagavad Gita · Verse 12.13
Chapter 12: Bhakti Yoga (भक्तियोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्रः करुण एव च । निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः समदुःखसुखः क्षमी ॥१३॥
adveṣṭā sarvabhūtānāṃ maitraḥ karuṇa eva ca | nirmamo nirahaṅkāraḥ samaduḥkhasukhaḥ kṣamī ||13||
Complete Shloka Translation
One who hates no being, is friendly and compassionate, free from possessiveness and ego, even in sorrow and happiness, and forgiving—
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अद्वेष्टा | adveṣṭā | free from malice, hatred, or aversion |
| सर्व-भूतानाम् | sarva-bhūtānām | toward all living creatures |
| मैत्रः | maitraḥ | friendly and warm-hearted |
| करुणः एव च | karuṇaḥ eva ca | and deeply compassionate indeed |
| निर्ममः | nirmamaḥ | free from possessiveness and greed |
| निरहंकारः | nirahaṅkāraḥ | free from false ego and pride |
| सम-दुःख-सुखः | sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ | equanimous in sorrow and joy |
| क्षमी | kṣamī | forgiving and patient |
free from malice, hatred, or aversion
toward all living creatures
friendly and warm-hearted
and deeply compassionate indeed
free from possessiveness and greed
free from false ego and pride
equanimous in sorrow and joy
forgiving and patient
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
This description continues into 12.14. Nonhatred, friendship and compassion begin the account of the devotee dear to Krishna.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Let devotion become visible through compassion and freedom from hatred."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What would compassion change in one difficult interaction?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.