Meaning
Supreme God Krishna spoke
Someone who does not experience momentary surges of joy, hatred, lamentation, or worldly desires, and has renounced dualistic thinking of the auspicious and inauspicious—such a loving devotee of Mine, I truly cherish; (12:17)
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवान् उवाच
यो न हृष्यति न द्वेष्टि न शोचति न काङ्क्षति ।
शुभाशुभपरित्यागी भक्तिमान्यः स मे प्रियः॥
Word-by-word
यः न हृष्यति, न द्वेष्टि, न शोचति, न काङ्क्षति
शुभ-अ-शुभ-परि-त्यागी, भक्ति-मान् यः, सः मे प्रियः।
Commentary
In the Sanskrit verse, God uses the word "harsha," which means "joy." Why does God love a person who is free from "harsha"? Does God like sad people? No! In reality, "harsha" is a fleeting form of happiness or joy that comes and goes suddenly, much like soda water bubbles. For instance, in a cricket match, hitting a six brings joy, while losing a wicket brings sadness to the fans. The person who experiences joy in one moment may experience sadness in the next. God favors forms of happiness that are more enduring and lasting in the mind. Those who rise above such fleeting joys and sorrows lead a contented life with enduring happiness. Such people are more loved by God.
Understanding and transcending dualistic thinking about auspicious and inauspicious events is a profound concept in the Bhagavad-Gitā, though it may not be easily grasped initially. When accidents occur or illness strikes, they are typically seen as "ashubha" or inauspicious occurrences. Conversely, achievements like a job promotion or the birth of a child are considered "shubha" or auspicious. Such auspicious events bring joy, while inauspicious ones bring sadness. However, God favors those who remain unaffected by fleeting emotions. Those detached from worldly attachments maintain equanimity towards events, irrespective of societal judgments of good or bad.