Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 5 Karma Sannyasa Yogah

Karma Sannyasa Yogah - One who is steady-minded, unaffected by pain and pleasure, who does not rejoice or despair, is said to be established in Brahman.

न प्रहृष्येत्प्रियं प्राप्य नोद्विजेत्प्राप्य चाप्रियम् |
स्थिरबुद्धिरसम्मूढो ब्रह्मविद् ब्रह्मणि स्थित: ||20||

One who is steady-minded, unaffected by pain and pleasure, who does not rejoice or despair, is said to be established in Brahman.

Brahma-Vid: Knower of Brahman or Supreme truth.
Sthira-Buddhi: One of steady intelligence.

Krishna elaborates on the yogi’s steady mind, free from worldly elation or despair. This balanced outlook, unshaken by external forces, is presented as the hallmark of enlightenment, a state that transcends dualities.

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Karma Sannyasa Yogah - One who finds joy within, with a mind that does not cling to external contacts, attains everlasting happiness through union with Brahman.

बाह्यस्पर्शेष्वसक्तात्मा विन्दत्यात्मनि यत्सुखम् |
स ब्रह्मयोगयुक्तात्मा सुखमक्षयमश्नुते ||21||

One who finds joy within, with a mind that does not cling to external contacts, attains everlasting happiness through union with Brahman.

Brahma-Yoga: Union with Brahman or the Absolute.
Akshayam: Imperishable or eternal happiness.

Real joy, Krishna tells Arjuna, arises within, not from external contacts. This internal focus contrasts with sensory pleasure, introducing the theme of lasting spiritual contentment versus fleeting physical satisfaction.

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Karma Sannyasa Yogah - The pleasures that arise from contact are indeed sources of sorrow, for they have a beginning and an end, O son of Kunti. The wise do not delight in them.

ये हि संस्पर्शजा भोगा दु:खयोनय एव ते |
आद्यन्तवन्त: कौन्तेय न तेषु रमते बुध: ||22||

The pleasures that arise from contact are indeed sources of sorrow, for they have a beginning and an end, O son of Kunti. The wise do not delight in them.

Samsparsha-Ja: Born from contact, referring to material pleasures.
Duhkha-Yonayah: Sources of suffering.

Krishna’s advice against sensual pleasure, labeled as sources of suffering, highlights the Gita’s call for restraint. His words underscore the transient nature of physical joys, which distract from lasting spiritual contentment.

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शक्नोतीहैव य: सोढुं प्राक्शरीरविमोक्षणात् |
कामक्रोधोद्भवं वेगं स युक्त: स सुखी नर: ||23||

One who is able to withstand, even here before the body is released, the urges born of desire and anger, is a yogi and truly happy.

Sodhum: To withstand or endure.
Kama-Krodha: Desire and anger, seen as binding forces.

Krishna praises those who can master desires and anger, marking them as true yogis. He encourages Arjuna to cultivate endurance, suggesting that resilience in overcoming impulses is the cornerstone of spiritual discipline.

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योऽन्त:सुखोऽन्तरारामस्तथान्तज्र्योतिरेव य: |
स योगी ब्रह्मनिर्वाणं ब्रह्मभूतोऽधिगच्छति ||24||

One who finds joy, inner peace, and inner light, such a yogi achieves Brahman-nirvana and becomes one with Brahman.

Brahma-Bhutah: One who has become Brahman.
Antar-Jyotih: Inner light or spiritual illumination.

Inner light and peace define the yogi who is one with Brahman. Krishna’s emphasis on inward focus reinforces the path of meditation as the doorway to transcending duality and finding eternal peace.

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Karma Sannyasa Yogah - The sages whose sins are dispelled, whose doubts are destroyed, whose minds are disciplined, who delight in the welfare of all beings, attain liberation.

लभन्ते ब्रह्मनिर्वाणमृषय: क्षीणकल्मषा: |
छिन्नद्वैधा यतात्मान: सर्वभूतहिते रता: ||25||

The sages whose sins are dispelled, whose doubts are destroyed, whose minds are disciplined, who delight in the welfare of all beings, attain liberation.

Rishayah: Sages or wise beings.
Kshina-Kalmashah: One whose impurities are destroyed.

Sages freed from impurities and inner conflicts attain Brahman, says Krishna. This points Arjuna toward spiritual growth, where freedom from personal desires enables a life centered on universal welfare.

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Karma Sannyasa Yogah - Liberation is near for those who are free from desire and anger, with mind and senses under control, who have realized the Self.

कामक्रोधवियुक्तानां यतीनां यतचेतसाम् |
अभितो ब्रह्मनिर्वाणं वर्तते विदितात्मनाम् ||26||

Liberation is near for those who are free from desire and anger, with mind and senses under control, who have realized the Self.

Yatacetasam: One with disciplined mind.
Abhito: On all sides or surrounding.

For the liberated, who are devoid of desire and anger, Brahman’s proximity is constant. Krishna hints at the stability achieved through spiritual practice, preparing Arjuna for the steadiness he must cultivate.

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