Those who restrain the senses, remain even-minded everywhere, and delight in the welfare of all beings reach me alone.
— Krishna
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Bhagavad Gita · 12.4
Hindi · हिन्दी
जो अपनी इन्द्रियोंको वशमें करके अचिन्त्य, सब जगह परिपूर्ण, अनिर्देश्य, कूटस्थ, अचल, ध्रुव, अक्षर और अव्यक्तकी उपासना करते हैं, वे प्राणिमात्रके हितमें रत और सब जगह समबुद्धिवाले मनुष्य मुझे ही प्राप्त होते हैं ॥
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Tap a word to focus on it.
संनियम्यhaving restrainedइन्द्रियग्रामम्the whole group of sensesसर्वत्रeverywhereसमबुद्धयःthose with equal understandingतेtheyप्राप्नुवन्तिattainमाम्meएवaloneसर्वभूतहितेin the welfare of all beingsरताःdelighting, devoted
Read literallyhaving restrained · the whole group of senses · everywhere · those with equal understanding · they · attain · me · alone · in the welfare of all beings · delighting, devoted
Understanding the verse
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Senses restrained, even-minded everywhere, glad in the welfare of all beings: such worshippers of the formless also reach Krishna.
Control the senses, stay even-minded with everyone, and care for the good of all beings. That is the way to reach Krishna.
02
On the battlefield
Context & commentary
Krishna has just praised the highest devotee, and now he shows the shape of that devotion: self-mastery, equal vision, and a heart committed to the welfare of all beings.
03
In your life
What it looks like today
A ward councillor who keeps her temper, treats every street alike, and is pleased whenever any family's drain gets fixed fits this line. Krishna says people with that discipline and goodwill reach him.
The takeaway
“Devotion becomes lighter when it stops being private and starts including everyone.”
Control the senses, stay even-minded with everyone, and care for the good of all beings. That is the way to reach Krishna.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 12.4?
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Bhakti Yoga" (The Yoga of Devotion).
Which chapter of the Bhagavad Gita contains verse 12.4?
Verse 4 sits in Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita — Bhakti Yoga, "The Yoga of Devotion". The chapter has 20 verses in total.
Why does Bhagavad Gita 12.4 matter today?
A ward councillor who keeps her temper, treats every street alike, and is pleased whenever any family's drain gets fixed fits this line. Krishna says people with that discipline and goodwill reach him.
Senses restrained, even-minded everywhere, glad in the welfare of all beings: such worshippers of the formless also reach Krishna.
What this verse means
Control the senses, stay even-minded with everyone, and care for the good of all beings. That is the way to reach Krishna.
Context & commentary
Krishna has just praised the highest devotee, and now he shows the shape of that devotion: self-mastery, equal vision, and a heart committed to the welfare of all beings.
What it looks like today
A ward councillor who keeps her temper, treats every street alike, and is pleased whenever any family's drain gets fixed fits this line. Krishna says people with that discipline and goodwill reach him.
“Devotion becomes lighter when it stops being private and starts including everyone.”
Explore related themes: bhakti (69 verses), indriya nigraha (14 verses), samatva (13 verses)