Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): He who is indifferent (Anapekshah), pure (Shuchih), expert (Dakshah), and free from all anxieties is a true devotee.
Reason (R): Because such a devotee who has renounced all sense of personal initiative (Sarvarambha-parityagi) is dear to Lord Krishna.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct.
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct.

Hint:

In the Gita, the list of virtues always ends with "Sa me priyah" (He is dear to Me). This is the key to identifying questions related to Chapter 12's "Bhakta-Lakshanas."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question is based on Chapter 12 (Bhakti Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita. In the concluding verses (12.13–12.20), Lord Krishna describes the various internal and external qualities that define a perfect devotee (Bhakta). Each quality is a step toward becoming "Priya" (dear) to the Lord.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Assertion (A) is a paraphrase of Bhagavad Gita 12.16:
"anapekṣaḥ śucirdakṣa udāsīno gatavyathaḥ |"
- Anapekshah: Free from expectations.
- Shuchih: Pure in mind and body.
- Dakshah: Expert/Skillful in his duties.
- Udasinah: Indifferent to worldly praise/blame.
- Gatavyathah: Free from mental distress/anxiety.
Reason (R) continues the same verse:
"sarvārambhaparityāgī yo madbhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ ||"
- Sarvarambha-parityagi: One who has renounced the sense of being the 'doer' or initiator of actions for personal gain.
- Sa me priyah: He is dear to Me.
The Reason (R) perfectly explains (A) because it provides the concluding logic of the verse. Why is a person with the qualities mentioned in (A) a true devotee? Because he has reached the state of total surrender (Parityaga) where he acts as an instrument of the Divine, and it is this state of ego-less devotion that makes him "dear" to Krishna. The definition in (A) and the condition in (R) are two parts of the same scriptural definition of the highest Bhakta.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both statements are taken from the same verse (BG 12.16) where (R) provides the concluding reason for the validity of (A).