Question

According to the characteristics described by Lord Krishna in the 12th Chapter (Bhakti Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita, which of the following types of devotees are NOT mentioned as "Dear to Me" (Sa Me Priyah) because they lack equanimity?
A. One who is free from joy, envy, fear, and anxiety (Harshamarshabhayodvegairmuktah)
B. One who is indifferent or neutral (Udasinah)
C. One whose purpose/worries are finished (Gatavyathah)
D. One who is always rejoicing in material pleasure (Yah sarvada hrishyati)
E. One who renounces both good and evil (Shubhashubhaparityagi)

• A. A, B, C, D, E
• B. E, D, C, B, A
• C. B, A, C, D, E
• D. C, D, B, E, A

Hint:

In Chapter 12 questions, pay close attention to the word "Muktah" (Free from) and "Na" (Neither/Nor). The devotee is loved for not being affected by joy or hate. Thus, a trait like "always rejoicing" (Hrishyati) is a negative distractor.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In the final section of Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna enumerates the ethical and psychological traits of a perfect devotee (Bhakta-Lakshana). A central theme of these verses (12.13-12.20) is Samatva—the ability to remain balanced and equanimous in the face of worldly dualities. A devotee who is "dear" to the Lord is one who is muktah (free) from extreme emotional reactions. Therefore, traits that signify emotional turbulence or one-sided attachment are explicitly listed as things the devotee must not have.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze each label based on verses 12.15 to 12.17:
- Label A: Verse 12.15 states "harṣāmarṣabhayodvegair mukto yaḥ sa ca me priyaḥ". Krishna loves one who is free (muktah) from joy, envy, and fear. This is a positive characteristic.
- Label B: Verse 12.16 mentions Udasinah (indifferent/neutral). Being neutral toward petty worldly praise and blame is a sign of high spiritual growth and is listed as "dear."
- Label C: Verse 12.16 also mentions Gatavyathah (one whose distress/worries are gone). This is also a positive trait.
- Label D: In verse 12.17, Krishna says "yo na hṛṣyati na dveṣṭi..." (He who neither rejoices nor hates). This means a devotee should not be one who "always rejoices" (Hrishyati) in material excitement. A person who is constantly rejoicing is as unbalanced as a person who is constantly grieving. Therefore, the trait of "always rejoicing" is not a quality of the dear devotee; rather, not rejoicing is the quality.
- Label E: Verse 12.17 mentions Shubhashubhaparityagi (renouncing both good and evil) as a quality of a dear devotee.
The question asks for what is NOT mentioned as "dear." Only trait D (always rejoicing) is a sign of attachment and is the opposite of the equanimity (Na Hrishyati) required by Krishna.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Only the trait "one who always rejoices" is not a characteristic of the dear devotee.