The Yoga of Devotion

Krishna describes a devotee who lives in perfect harmony with the world. 'Yasmān nodvijate loko lokān nodvijate ca yaḥ'—from whom (yasmāt) the world (lokaḥ) is not disturbed (na udvijate), and who (yaḥ) is not disturbed (na udvijate) by the world (lokāt). 'Harṣāmarṣa-bhayodvegair mukto yaḥ'—who (yaḥ) is free (muktaḥ) from joy (harṣa), anger (amarṣa), fear (bhaya), and anxiety (udvega). 'Sa ca me priyaḥ'—he (saḥ) is dear (priyaḥ) to Me (me). This verse describes perfect equanimity: the devotee doesn't disturb others, and others don't disturb the devotee. This is achieved through freedom from emotional reactions—joy, anger, fear, and anxiety. This isn't about suppressing emotions—it's about transcending them through devotion. When you're devoted, you naturally become steady and peaceful, neither disturbing nor being disturbed.