anapekṣaḥ śucir dakṣa udāsīno gata-vyathaḥ sarvārambha-parityāgī yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ
"One who is free from wants, pure, capable, neutral, free from distress, renouncing all undertakings—that devotee is dear to Me."
What This Means:
More qualities: expecting nothing from others, pure in body and mind, skillful and capable, impartial, free from worry, not initiating self-centered projects. Such devotees are dear to Krishna.
Going Deeper:
Six more qualities: (11) anapekṣaḥ—expecting nothing, (12) śuciḥ—pure (internal and external), (13) dakṣaḥ—capable, efficient (devotion doesn't mean incompetence!), (14) udāsīnaḥ—neutral, impartial, (15) gata-vyathaḥ—free from distress, (16) sarvārambha-parityāgī—renouncing self-initiated undertakings. Note 'dakṣa'—devotees should be competent, not helpless.
How To Apply This:
'Anapeksha' (expecting nothing) is liberating. When you help someone, expect nothing in return—not gratitude, not reciprocation. This freedom from expectation eliminates most disappointment.
Key Sanskrit Terms: