Bhagavad Gita 12.13
Compassion is a mark of devotion
Bhakti Yoga · The Yoga of Devotion
Original Sanskrit
Bhagavad Gita verse 12.13 in Sanskrit
अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्रः करुण एव च।
निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः समदुःखसुखः क्षमी॥१२.१३॥
adveṣṭā sarva-bhūtānāṃ maitraḥ karuṇa eva ca
nirmamo nirahaṅkāraḥ sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ kṣamī
Plain-language meaning
What the verse says
The devotee is described as free from hatred toward any being, friendly and compassionate, without possessiveness or ego, balanced in sorrow and joy, and capable of forgiveness.
Context in the dialogue
After discussing forms of devotion and practice, Krishna turns from technique to character. This verse begins a sequence describing the qualities of a devotee who is dear to him. Spiritual maturity is made visible through conduct toward other beings.
Key Sanskrit terms
- adveṣṭā
- one who does not hate
- maitraḥ
- friendly
- karuṇaḥ
- compassionate
- nirahaṅkāraḥ
- free from ego-centredness
- kṣamī
- forgiving or patient
Reflection for daily life
Practice the principle
Choose one quality from the verse for deliberate practice. Compassion can coexist with clear boundaries; forgiveness need not erase accountability, and equanimity need not suppress emotion.