Acceptance — Lesson 11
Neither disturbing nor disturbed (Gita 12.15)
Verse
हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो यः स च मे प्रियः ॥ १२.१५ ॥
Transliteration
yasmān nodvijate loko lokān nodvijate ca yaḥ
harṣāmarṣa-bhaya-udvegair mukto yaḥ sa ca me priyaḥ
Meaning
One who does not disturb others, and is not disturbed by others, who is free from excitement, irritation, fear, and agitation— such a person lives in peace.
Key Words
- udvijate — disturb, agitate
- harṣa — excessive excitement
- amarṣa — irritation, intolerance
- bhaya — fear
- udvega — anxiety, agitation
Teaching
Krishna now shows the social impact of acceptance. A calm person does not create disturbance. At the same time, they are not easily disturbed by others. This balance is rare. Most disturbance in life comes from reaction. When reactions reduce, both inner and outer peace increase.
Connection to Acceptance
Acceptance reduces reactivity. Without strong reactions, relationships become smoother. Life becomes less turbulent.
Reflection
Do I get easily disturbed by others? Do I unknowingly disturb others? What changes when I remain steady?