Read-aloud uses a voice on your device. It reads our explanation; it is not a sung aarti or a Sanskrit pronunciation lesson.
Bhagavad Gita 12.13
The traditional text
निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः समदुःखसुखः क्षमी॥
Roman reading aid
adveṣṭā sarva-bhūtānāṃ maitraḥ karuṇa eva ca |
nirmamo nirahaṅkāraḥ sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ kṣamī ||
Meaning in everyday language
One who bears hatred toward no being, who is friendly and compassionate, free from possessiveness and self-importance, balanced in pain and pleasure, and patient in forgiveness—
Understand the teaching
This verse begins a sentence completed in 12.14: Krishna calls such a devotee dear to him. Read the two together. Devotion is described through the person’s relationships and inner disposition, including friendliness, compassion and freedom from possessiveness. These qualities make bhakti visible in conduct as well as in prayer, worship and remembrance.
Kshama, patience or forgiveness, can be explored through how we respond to an injury or disagreement. A calm boundary can coexist with refusing to nurture hatred. Compassion also notices those who are affected by a conflict. A practical reflection might ask how to address a wrong firmly while keeping language humane and the possibility of repair open.
Words and phrases
- अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानाम् (adveṣṭā sarva-bhūtānām)
- hating no being
- मैत्रः करुणः (maitraḥ karuṇaḥ)
- friendly and compassionate
- निर्ममः निरहङ्कारः (nirmamaḥ nirahaṅkāraḥ)
- free of possessiveness and egoism
- समदुःखसुखः (sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ)
- balanced in pain and pleasure
- क्षमी (kṣamī)
- patient, forgiving
Pause and think
Can you be compassionate while saying that harmful behaviour must stop?
See an explained answer
Yes. I can name the harm, protect those affected and set a clear boundary without humiliating a person or cultivating hatred.