Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 2 Sankhya Yogah

Sankhya Yogah - The person whose mind is unperturbed in sorrow, who has no desire for joy, and who is free from attachment, fear, and anger is called a sage of steady wisdom.

दु:खेष्वनुद्विग्नमना: सुखेषु विगतस्पृह: |
वीतरागभयक्रोध: स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते ||56||

The person whose mind is unperturbed in sorrow, who has no desire for joy, and who is free from attachment, fear, and anger is called a sage of steady wisdom.

Duhkhesu: In sorrow or distress.
Sukhesu: In happiness or pleasure.
Vita-raga: Free from attachment.

The one who remains unperturbed in sorrow and free from desire in joy, and who is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is a sage of steady wisdom. Krishna emphasizes emotional balance and inner tranquility as signs of a realized soul, encouraging Arjuna to cultivate these qualities and rise above fleeting emotions and desires.

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य: सर्वत्रानभिस्नेहस्तत्तत्प्राप्य शुभाशुभम् |
नाभिनन्दति न द्वेष्टि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ||57||

He who is free from attachment, who does not rejoice in good or lament in evil, has attained a steady state of wisdom.

Abhisneha: Attachment or affection.
Subha-asubham: Good and bad.
Prajna: Wisdom or intelligence.

One who is free from attachment and does not rejoice in good fortune or lament in adversity has attained steady wisdom. Krishna teaches that equanimity in all circumstances is essential for spiritual growth. By remaining unattached to outcomes, one can maintain inner peace and wisdom, regardless of external circumstances.

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यदा संहरते चायं कूर्मोऽङ्गानीव सर्वश: |
इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ||58||

When one withdraws the senses from sense objects, like a tortoise withdrawing its limbs, one’s wisdom becomes steady.

Samharate: Withdraws or retracts.
Kurma: Tortoise.
Indriya: Senses or faculties.

Krishna compares the sage who controls his senses to a tortoise withdrawing its limbs. When one withdraws from sense objects, his wisdom becomes steady. This analogy highlights the importance of self-control and the ability to turn inwards, focusing on the self rather than the distractions of the external world.

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Sankhya Yogah - Sense objects cease to exist for the person who does not indulge in them, but the taste remains. This too ceases when the Supreme is realized.

विषया विनिवर्तन्ते निराहारस्य देहिन: |
रसवर्जं रसोऽप्यस्य परं दृष्ट्वा निवर्तते ||59||

Sense objects cease to exist for the person who does not indulge in them, but the taste remains. This too ceases when the Supreme is realized.

Vinivartante: Withdraw or turn away.
Rasa: Essence or taste.
Param: Supreme or ultimate.

Although the senses may withdraw from sense objects, the taste for them remains. However, even this taste disappears upon realizing the Supreme. Krishna indicates that true detachment is not merely physical but also mental. Realizing the higher taste of spiritual bliss can help one overcome lower desires.

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यततो ह्यपि कौन्तेय पुरुषस्य विपश्चित: |
इन्द्रियाणि प्रमाथीनि हरन्ति प्रसभं मन: ||60||

The senses are so strong and turbulent that even a person of wisdom, striving for self-control, can be forcibly carried away by them.

Pramathini: Turbulent or agitating.
Haranti: Carry away or drag.
Manah: Mind or thoughts.

Krishna acknowledges the power of the senses, which can forcibly carry away even a person of wisdom. This teaching emphasizes the need for constant vigilance and control over the senses, as they are capable of leading one astray. Arjuna is urged to strengthen his resolve and maintain discipline over his senses.

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तानि सर्वाणि संयम्य युक्त आसीत मत्पर: |
वशे हि यस्येन्द्रियाणि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ||61||

Having controlled them all, one should remain focused on the Supreme. His wisdom becomes steady whose senses are under control.

Samyamya: Controlling or restraining.
Indriyani: Senses.
Prajna: Wisdom or intelligence.

One who restrains his senses and fixes his mind on the Supreme remains steady in wisdom. Krishna encourages Arjuna to use his mind and intellect to control his senses, thereby achieving steadiness and clarity. This teaching reinforces the importance of mental focus and devotion as tools for mastering one’s lower nature.

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ध्यायतो विषयान्पुंस: सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते |
सङ्गात्सञ्जायते काम: कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते ||62||

By contemplating sense objects, a person develops attachment; from attachment comes desire, from desire comes anger.

Kamam: Desire or wish.
Krodha: Anger or rage.
Sangat: Attachment or association.

Krishna explains how attachment to sense objects develops through contemplation, leading to desire and then to anger. This progression reveals the chain of reactions that cloud the mind and lead to delusion. Arjuna is advised to break this chain early by avoiding unnecessary attachment, which gives rise to further suffering.

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