The Way of the Devotee

 

The Way of the Devotee
(26 qualities as mentioned in the Bhagvat Gita)

He walks softly, with kindness for all—
a heart unclenched,
never quarrelling,
not raising dust in another’s path.

Truth is his companion,
firm and gentle,
he sees the same spark in beggar or king—
equal eyes,
faultless not in flawlessness
but in his unshakable fairness.

Coins may pass from his palm
as easily as prayers—
he is charitable,
mild,
clean in deed, body, and mind,
simple like clear water,
benevolent like a mother’s lullaby.

Peace flows through him—
he does not clutch the noise of the world.
His soul rests
in complete attachment to Krishna,
not as a clinging vine,
but as surrendering river.

Material desires have left his doorstep;
he owns no want
but the sweetness of the name.
He is meek,
not defeated,
but hollowed of ego.

Steady as a flame sheltered from wind,
he controls his senses,
governs the hungers
of flesh and mind.
His plate holds only what is needed—
not more than required.
Illusion wraps the world in silk—
he does not wear it.

He offers respect to everyone,
asks nothing in return—
no desire for respect of his own.
He is grave,
deep as a still well,
yet merciful,
a monsoon for the suffering.

His words taste like honey—
he is friendly,
poetic,
not for show,
but because beauty rests in his bones.

He is expert,
not in trickery,
but in knowing the sacred art of living.
And when silence is the truest sound,
he becomes silent.

This is the devotee—
not born,
but shaped
by the chisel of devotion.

 

Note:

The **26 qualities of a devotee** are mentioned in **Chapter 12** of the *Bhagavad Gita*, titled **"Bhakti Yoga"** or *The Yoga of Devotion*. Specifically, they appear in **verses 13 to 20** (BG 12.13–12.20), where Lord Krishna describes the attributes of His **most dear devotee**—one who is dear to Him. These verses are often referred to as the **"devotee’s portrait"**, offering a practical and deeply moving guide for a spiritual aspirant.
BG 12.13

*adveṣṭā sarva-bhūtānāṁ maitraḥ karuṇa eva ca
nirmamo nirahaṅkāraḥ sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ kṣamī*

*He who is free from malice toward all beings, friendly and compassionate, free from possessiveness and ego, balanced in pleasure and pain, and forgiving—such a devotee is dear to Me.*