The Yoga of Devotion

Krishna begins describing the qualities of devotees who are dear to Him. 'Adveṣṭā sarvabhūtānāṁ'—free from malice (adveṣṭā) toward all beings (sarvabhūtānām). 'Maitraḥ karuṇa eva ca'—friendly (maitraḥ) and compassionate (karuṇaḥ) indeed (eva ca). 'Nirmamo nirahaṅkāraḥ'—free from possessiveness (nirmamaḥ) and free from ego (nirahaṅkāraḥ). 'Sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ kṣamī'—equal in pain and pleasure (sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ), and forgiving (kṣamī). This verse describes the first set of qualities: external qualities (how devotees relate to others) and internal qualities (how devotees relate to themselves). These are not just moral qualities—they're the natural expression of devotion. When you're devoted, you naturally become friendly, compassionate, and forgiving. This verse continues into verse 12.14, which will describe more qualities.