Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 12 verse 15
Chapter 12 · Bhakti Yoga

A Calming Presence · Neither Disturbing Nor Disturbed

यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च यः । हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो यः स च मे प्रियः ॥

yasmān nodvijate loko lokān nodvijate ca yaḥ harṣāmarṣa-bhayodvegair mukto yaḥ sa ca me priyaḥ

Meaning

"One by whom the world is not disturbed, and who is not disturbed by the world, who is free from joy, anger, fear, and anxiety — such a person is dear to Me."

Explanation

Being a calming presence for others, and not being easily thrown off by them in return, is a rare and quietly powerful way to move through the world. It's worth aiming for, even in small daily interactions.

Today's Life Lesson

Try being a calming presence in one interaction today — neither stirring others up nor letting them stir you.

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