tulya-nindā-stutir maunī santuṣṭo yena kenacit aniketaḥ sthira-matir bhaktimān me priyo naraḥ
"Alike in blame and praise, silent, content with anything, homeless, steady-minded, full of devotion—such a person is dear to Me."
What This Means:
The devotee receives blame and praise equally, speaks little but meaningfully, is satisfied with whatever comes, isn't attached to any fixed abode, has a steady mind, and is full of devotion. Such a person is dear to Krishna.
Going Deeper:
Final qualities: tulya-nindā-stutiḥ (equal to censure and praise), maunī (observing silence—speaking only what's necessary), santuṣṭa yena kenacit (content with anything), aniketaḥ (homeless—not attached to place), sthira-matiḥ (steady-minded), bhaktimān (full of devotion). 'Me priyaḥ naraḥ'—such a person is dear to Me. Note that all these qualities are internal dispositions, not external circumstances.
How To Apply This:
'Mauni' (silence) doesn't mean never speaking, but speaking only what's necessary and beneficial. Practice reducing unnecessary talk for one day—notice how much mental energy is conserved.
Key Sanskrit Terms: