yasmān nodvijate loko lokān nodvijate ca yaḥ harṣāmarṣa-bhayodvegair mukto yaḥ sa ca me priyaḥ
"One by whom the world is not agitated and who is not agitated by the world, who is free from joy, envy, fear, and anxiety—that one is dear to Me."
What This Means:
A devotee neither disturbs others nor is disturbed by them. They're free from excessive excitement, envy, fear, and anxiety. This emotional stability makes one dear to God.
Going Deeper:
A beautiful reciprocal quality: 'yasmāt na udvijate lokaḥ'—from whom the world is not agitated—the devotee doesn't disturb others' peace. 'Lokāt na udvijate'—nor is agitated by the world. Freedom from four emotional disturbances: harṣa (excitement), amarṣa (envy/anger), bhaya (fear), udvega (anxiety). This is sahaja samadhi—natural equanimity amidst life.
How To Apply This:
Notice if your presence agitates others—through criticism, demands, or negative energy. Also notice if you're easily agitated by others' behavior. Work on being a peaceful presence that neither disturbs nor is disturbed.
Key Sanskrit Terms: