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. Hover 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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It shifts devotion from personal feeling to disciplined, universal goodwill.
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
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna is still frozen. 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
Why this verse still matters
You are angry at one person, but the room is full of people who will feel it. This verse asks for the harder move: steady yourself first, then act from care instead of reaction.
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?
You are angry at one person, but the room is full of people who will feel it. This verse asks for the harder move: steady yourself first, then act from care instead of reaction.
It shifts devotion from personal feeling to disciplined, universal goodwill.
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
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna is still frozen. 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.
Why this verse still matters
You are angry at one person, but the room is full of people who will feel it. This verse asks for the harder move: steady yourself first, then act from care instead of reaction.
“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)