Question

"He who neither rejoices nor hates..." (Yo na hrishyati na dveshti). Such a devotee is _____ to Lord Krishna.

• A. Nikrushta (Inferior)
• B. Dveshya (Hateful)
• C. Priya (Dear)
• D. Preraka (Inspirer)

Hint:

The refrain for all verses from 12.13 to 12.20 is "Sa Me Priyah" (He is dear to Me). If a question asks about the Lord's attitude toward a virtuous devotee in Chapter 12, "Priya" is almost always the answer.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In the final section of Chapter 12 (Bhakti Yoga), Lord Krishna lists the character traits of a perfect devotee. These verses (12.13 to 12.20) are often called the Bhaktalakshana (characteristics of a devotee). Each verse ends with the affirmation that such a person is dear to Him.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Sanskrit verse 12.17 states:
"yo na hṛṣyati na dveṣṭi na śocati na kāṅkṣati |
śubhāśubha-parityāgī bhaktimān yaḥ sa me priyaḥ ||"
Translation: "He who neither rejoices nor hates, neither grieves nor desires, who renounces both good and evil—such a devotee is dear (Priya) to Me."
This verse emphasizes the state of equanimity (Samatva). A true devotee is not swayed by worldly pairs of opposites:
1. Na Hrishyati: He does not get overly excited or boastful upon gaining something pleasant.
2. Na Dveshti: He does not feel hatred or aversion towards something unpleasant.
3. Na Shochati: He does not grieve over losses.
4. Na Kankshati: He does not crave or hanker for things he doesn't have.
Such a balanced person, who is devoted to God regardless of circumstances, is called Priya (dear) to Krishna. The other options (Nikrushta, Dveshya) are opposite to the sentiment of the Gita, and Preraka is not the term used in this context.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Such a devotee is Priya (dear) to the Lord.