KrishnAshtami 2019 (Reflection) - 8 Verses - Chapter 12 Bhakti Yoga

Becoming Dear to Sri Krishna

(Sri KrishnaJanmaashtami Mananam)

We often tell ourselves and each other that we adore Sri Krishna. But have we asked the question, how can we endear ourselves to Sri Krishna?

Sri Krishna Himself in 12th Chapter of Gita, lists the qualities in a person that endears him or her to Bhagavan

On this Punya Ashtami, let’s dwell upon these Immortal Ashtakam (8 verses) from Chapter 12

Adweshtaa sarvabhootaanaam maitrah karuna eva cha
Nirmamo nirahankaarah samaduhkhasukhah kshamee

13. He who hates no creature, who is friendly and compassionate to all, who is free from attachment and egoism, balanced in pleasure and pain, and forgiving,

Santushtah satatam yogee yataatmaa dridhanishchayah
Mayyarpitamanobuddhiryo madbhaktah sa me priyah

14. Ever content, steady in meditation, possessed of firm conviction, self-controlled, with mind and intellect dedicated to Me, he, My devotee, is dear to Me

Yasmaannodwijate loko lokaannodwijate cha yah
Harshaamarshabhayodwegairmukto yah sa cha me priyah

15. He by whom the world is not agitated and who cannot be agitated by the world, and who is freed from joy, envy, fear and anxiety— is dear to Me

Anapekshah shuchirdaksha udaaseeno gatavyathah
Sarvaarambhaparityaagee yo madbhaktah sa me priyah

16. He who is free from wants, pure, expert, unconcerned, and untroubled, renouncing all undertakings or commencements—he who is (thus) devoted to Me,  is dear to Me

Yona hrishyati na dweshti na shochati na kaangkshati
Shubhaashubhaparityaagee bhaktimaan yah sa me priyah

17. He who neither rejoices, nor hates, nor grieves, nor desires, renouncing good and evil, and who is full of devotion, is dear to Me

COMMENTARY: He does not rejoice when he attains desirable objects nor does he grieve when he parts with his cherished objects. Further, he does not desire the unattained.

Samah shatrau cha mitre cha tathaa maanaapamaanayoh
Sheetoshnasukhaduhkheshu samah sangavivarjitah

18. He who is the same to foe and friend, and in honour and dishonour, who is the same in cold and heat and in pleasure and pain, who is free from attachment,

Tulyanindaastutirmaunee santushto yena kenachit
Aniketah sthiramatir bhaktimaan me priyo narah

19. He to whom censure and praise are equal, who is silent, content with anything, homeless, of a steady mind, and full of devotion—that person is dear to Me

Ye tu dharmyaamritamidam yathoktam paryupaasate
Shraddhadhaanaah matparamaa bhaktaaste’teeva me priyaah

20. They verily who follow this immortal Dharma (doctrine or law) as described above, endowed with faith, regarding Me as their supreme goal, they, the devotees, are exceedingly dear to Me

Hari Om Tat Sat

Iti Srimad Bhagavadgeetaasoopanishatsu Brahmavidyaayaam

Yogashaastre Sri Krishnaarjunasamvaade

Bhaktiyogo Naama Dwaadasho’dhyaayah