But one who controls the mind and is free from both attachment and aversion, even while interacting with sense objects, attains peace.
One who is free from attachment and aversion, even while engaging with sense objects, attains the grace of the Supreme. Krishna teaches that balance and self-mastery allow one to interact with the world without being affected by it. Such a person, by maintaining equanimity, achieves a state of inner peace and tranquility.
In that peace, all sorrow ceases, and the intellect of such a person soon becomes steady.
In that state of inner peace, all sorrows cease, and the intellect becomes firmly established. Krishna suggests that inner peace is the foundation of true wisdom, as a tranquil mind is capable of making sound decisions. This teaching encourages Arjuna to seek calmness and balance, as they are prerequisites for attaining wisdom.
There is neither wisdom nor meditation in one who is not connected to the Divine, and without peace, there can be no happiness.
For one without self-control, there is no wisdom, nor is there meditation. Without meditation, there is no peace, and without peace, how can there be happiness? Krishna presents a chain of interconnected states, showing that inner peace is the key to true happiness. He urges Arjuna to cultivate self-discipline and inner calm.
For one whose senses are not under control, the mind follows the senses like a boat tossed around by the wind.
The wandering mind, which follows the senses, is like a boat tossed around by the wind. Krishna warns that a mind dominated by uncontrolled senses loses its wisdom. This teaching emphasizes the importance of mastering the mind and senses, as only then can one maintain clarity and steadiness in the path of self-realization.
Therefore, one who restrains all his senses from sense objects, his wisdom is steady.
Therefore, one who has withdrawn his senses from their objects, like a tortoise withdrawing its limbs, has steady wisdom. Krishna reiterates that self-control is the foundation for wisdom, and such a person can maintain focus and clarity even amidst external distractions. This teaching prepares Arjuna for developing inner strength and discipline.
What is night for all beings is the time of awakening for the self-controlled, and the time of awakening for all beings is night for the introspective sage.
What is night for all beings is the time of awakening for the self-controlled, and what is day for all beings is night for the introspective sage. Krishna highlights the contrast between the worldly perspective and the spiritual view. This teaching encourages Arjuna to adopt the perspective of a sage, seeing beyond appearances and illusions.
He attains peace into whom all desires enter as waters enter the ocean, which, filled from all sides, remains undisturbed.
The ocean remains calm and undisturbed even as rivers flow into it. Similarly, a wise person remains unaffected by desires, achieving true peace. Krishna uses this analogy to illustrate the state of fulfillment that comes from within, not from external sources. This teaching inspires Arjuna to aspire for inner stability and contentment.