Bhagavad Gita · Verse 12.16
Chapter 12: Bhakti Yoga (भक्तियोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अनपेक्षः शुचिर्दक्ष उदासीनो गतव्यथः । सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी यो मद्भक्तः स मे प्रियः ॥१६॥
anapekṣaḥ śucirdakṣa udāsīno gatavyathaḥ | sarvārambhaparityāgī yo madbhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ ||16||
Complete Shloka Translation
My devotee who is free from expectations, pure, capable, impartial and untroubled, and who relinquishes all undertakings, is dear to Me.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| दक्ष | dakṣa | capable |
| उदासीन | udāsīna | impartial in this context |
| अनपेक्षः | anapekṣaḥ | [term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex... |
| शुचिर्दक्ष | śucirdakṣa | [term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex... |
| उदासीनो | udāsīno | [term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex... |
| गतव्यथः | gatavyathaḥ | [term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex... |
| सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी | sarvārambhaparityāgī | [term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex... |
| यो | yo | [term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex... |
| मद्भक्तः | madbhaktaḥ | [term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex... |
| मे | sa | [term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex... |
| प्रियः | me | [term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex... |
| १६ | priyaḥ | [term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex... |
capable
impartial in this context
[term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex...
[term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex...
[term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex...
[term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex...
[term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex...
[term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex...
[term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex...
[term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex...
[term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex...
[term] in context of My devotee who is free from ex...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Udāsīna is read here as impartiality. Commentaries qualify relinquishing undertakings in different ways, often concerning desire-driven projects; read it alongside dedication to action in 12.10.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Combine capable service with freedom from self-seeking expectations."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which expectation can you release while serving capably?
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.