Chapter 12: Bhakti-yoga – Practice and Attainment of Devotion: Verse 15
यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च य: ।
हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो य: स च मे प्रिय: ॥
yasmān-nodvijate loko
lokān-nodvijate ca ya:
harṣāmarṣa-bhayodvegairmukto
ya: sa ca me priya: – 12.15
One by whom the world is not troubled and who does not feel troubled by the world, who is freed from the clutches of delight and anger, fear and anxiety, is dear to Me (the Supreme).
Chapter 12: Bhakti-yoga – Practice and Attainment of Devotion - Verse 15
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
Krishna brings in a social connection to devotion and devotee. As is one a member of his family, so is the family a member of the society. Thus, he is connected to his family and society alike. Being so, he should not feel any irritation or disharmony with the society.
His character and behaviour should be such that others will only appreciate and compliment him heartily. His behaviour and interaction should not be a source of irritation for others. Likewise he should not feel intolerant about the society for its traits.
A harmonious blending between the two is what is required every time. This is a restraint and discipline, a watchword for devotees who wish to grow in the path of devotion, endearing themselves to the object of their devotion. In short, devotional pursuit and enrichment are not to make one constricted. Rather, they should make one inclusive and all-embracing.
