अध्याय २: सांख्ययोग

श्लोक 1

संजय उवाच

तं तथा कृपयाविष्टमश्रुपूर्णाकुलेक्षणम्।

विषीदंतमिदं वाक्यमुवाच मधुसूदनः॥

Sanjaya Uvacha

Tam Tatha Kripayavishtamashrupurnakulekshanam |

Vishidantamidam Vakyamuvacha Madhusudanah ||

Sanjaya says that Madhusudana spoke to Arjuna as he stood overcome by compassion, his eyes troubled and full of tears, sunk in grief.

श्लोक 2

श्रीभगवानुवाच

कुतस्त्वा कश्मलमिदं विषमे समुपस्थितम्।

अनार्यजुष्टमस्वर्ग्यमकीर्तिकरमर्जुन॥

Shribhagavanuvacha

Kutastva Kashmalamidam Vishame Samupasthitam |

Anaryajushtamasvargyamakirtikaramarjuna ||

Krishna asks Arjuna how this confusion has overtaken him in a crisis, calling it unworthy, not leading to heaven and damaging to his standing.

श्लोक 3

क्लैब्यं मास्म गमः पार्थ नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते।
क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परंतप॥

Klaibyam Masma Gamah Partha Naitattvayyupapadyate |
Kshudram Hridayadaurbalyam Tyaktvottishtha Parantapa ||

Krishna urges Arjuna not to give way to this weakness, saying it does not befit him; he asks Arjuna to set aside his faintness of heart and rise.

श्लोक 4

अर्जुन उवाच

कथं भीष्ममहं संख्ये द्रोणं च मधुसूदन।

इषुभिः प्रतियोत्स्यामि पूजार्हावरिसूदन॥

Arjuna Uvacha

Katham Bhishmamaham Sankhye Dronam Cha Madhusudana |

Ishubhih Pratiyotsyami Pujarhavarisudana ||

Arjuna asks Madhusudana how he could fight Bhishma and Drona with arrows when he regards both as worthy of reverence.

श्लोक 5

गुरूनहत्वा हि महानुभावान्
श्रेयो भोक्तुं भैक्ष्यमपीह लोके।
हत्वार्थकामांस्तु गुरूनिहैव
भुंजीय भोगान्रुधिरप्रदिग्धान्॥

Gurunahatva Hi Mahanubhavan
Shreyo Bhoktum Bhaikshyamapiha Loke |
Hatvarthakamamstu Gurunihaiva
Bhunjiya Bhoganrudhirapradigdhan ||

Arjuna says he would rather live on alms than kill his venerable teachers; enjoyments gained by killing them would, to him, be stained with blood.

श्लोक 6

न चैतद्विद्मः कतरन्नो गरीयो
यद्वा जयेम यदि वा नो जयेयुः।
यानेव हत्वा न जिजीविषामः
तेऽवस्थिताः प्रमुखे धार्तराष्ट्राः॥

Na Chaitadvidmah Kataranno Gariyo
Yadva Jayema Yadi Va No Jayeyuh |
Yaneva Hatva Na Jijivishamah
Te'vasthitah Pramukhe Dhartarashtrah ||

Arjuna says they do not know which would be better: to defeat the opposing side or be defeated by it. Those whose deaths would make life unbearable to them are standing before them—the sons of Dhritarashtra.

श्लोक 7

कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः
पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसंमूढचेताः।
यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे
शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम्॥

Karpanyadoshopahatasvabhavah
Prichchhami Tvam Dharmasammudhachetah |
Yachchhreyah Syannishchitam Bruhi Tanme
Shishyaste'ham Shadhi Mam Tvam Prapannam ||

Arjuna says his judgment about duty is clouded and asks Krishna to tell him what is truly best; calling himself a disciple, he asks to be taught.

श्लोक 8

नहि प्रपश्यामि ममापनुद्याद्
यच्छोकमुच्छोषणमिंद्रियाणाम्।
अवाप्य भूमावसपत्नमृद्धं
राज्यं सुराणामपि चाधिपत्यम्॥

Nahi Prapashyami Mamapanudyad
Yachchhokamuchchhoshanamindriyanam |
Avapya Bhumavasapatnamriddham
Rajyam Suranamapi Chadhipatyam ||

Arjuna cannot see how the grief that drains his senses would be removed, even by an unrivalled prosperous kingdom on earth or sovereignty among the gods.

श्लोक 9

संजय उवाच

एवमुक्त्वा हृषीकेशं गुडाकेशः परंतप।

न योत्स्य इति गोविंदमुक्त्वातूष्णीं बभूव ह॥

Sanjaya Uvacha

Evamuktva Hrishikesham Gudakeshah Parantapa |

Na Yotsya Iti Govindamuktvatushnim Babhuva Ha ||

Sanjaya reports that Arjuna, after addressing Hrishikesha and saying to Govinda, 'I will not fight,' fell silent.

श्लोक 10

तमुवाच हृषीकेशः प्रहसन्निव भारत।
सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये विषीदंतमिदं वचः॥

Tamuvacha Hrishikeshah Prahasanniva Bharata |
Senayorubhayormadhye Vishidantamidam Vachah ||

Between the two armies, Hrishikesha, seeming to smile, spoke these words to the despondent Arjuna, as Sanjaya tells Bharata.

श्लोक 11

श्रीभगवानुवाच

अशोच्यानन्वशोचस्त्वं प्रज्ञावादांश्च भाषसे।

गतासूनगतासूंश्च नानुशोचंति पंडिताः॥

Shribhagavanuvacha

Ashochyananvashochastvam Prajnavadamshcha Bhashase |

Gatasunagatasumshcha Nanushochanti Panditah ||

Krishna tells Arjuna that he grieves while speaking as though wise, and says the wise do not grieve for the living or the dead.

श्लोक 12

न त्वेवाहं जातु नासं न त्वं नेमे जनाधिपाः।
न चैव न भविष्यामः सर्वे वयमतः परम्॥

Na Tvevaham Jatu Nasam Na Tvam Neme Janadhipah |
Na Chaiva Na Bhavishyamah Sarve Vayamatah Param ||

Krishna says there was never a time when he, Arjuna or the assembled kings did not exist, nor will there be a time when they cease to exist.

श्लोक 13

देहिनोऽस्मिन्यथा देहे कौमारं यौवनं जरा।
तथा देहांतरप्राप्तिर्धीरस्तत्र न मुह्यति॥

Dehino'sminyatha Dehe Kaumaram Yauvanam Jara |
Tatha Dehantarapraptirdhirastatra Na Muhyati ||

Krishna compares the embodied one's passage through childhood, youth and old age in one body with passage to another body; he says the steady-minded are not bewildered by this.

श्लोक 14

मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः।
आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत॥

Matrasparshastu Kaunteya Shitoshnasukhaduhkhadah |
Agamapayino'nityastamstitikshasva Bharata ||

Krishna tells Arjuna that sensory contacts bring cold and heat, pleasure and pain; they arise and pass, and he asks Arjuna to bear them.

श्लोक 15

यं हि न व्यथयन्त्येते पुरुषं पुरुषर्षभ।
समदुःखसुखं धीरं सोऽमृतत्वाय कल्पते॥

Yam Hi Na Vyathayantyete Purusham Purusharshabha |
Samaduhkhasukham Dhiram So'mritatvaya Kalpate ||

Krishna describes a steadfast person, not shaken by these experiences and even toward pain and pleasure, as fit for immortality.

श्लोक 16

नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः।
उभयोरपि दृष्टोऽन्तस्त्वनयोस्तत्त्वदर्शिभिः॥

Nasato Vidyate Bhavo Nabhavo Vidyate Satah |
Ubhayorapi Drishto'ntastvanayostattvadarshibhih ||

Krishna says that what is unreal has no enduring being and what is real does not cease to be; those who see the truth have discerned the distinction between the two.

श्लोक 17

अविनाशि तु तद्विद्धि येन सर्वमिदं ततम्।
विनाशमव्ययस्यास्य न कश्चित्कर्तुमर्हति॥

Avinashi Tu Tadviddhi Yena Sarvamidam Tatam |
Vinashamavyayasyasya Na Kashchitkartumarhati ||

Krishna asks Arjuna to know that which pervades all this as indestructible; no one can bring that imperishable to an end.

श्लोक 18

अंतवंत इमे देहा नित्यस्योक्ताः शरीरिणः।
अनाशिनोऽप्रमेयस्य तस्माद्युध्यस्व भारत॥

Antavanta Ime Deha Nityasyoktah Sharirinah |
Anashino'prameyasya Tasmadyudhyasva Bharata ||

Krishna calls bodies finite and the embodied one eternal, indestructible and immeasurable; in this battlefield exchange he therefore urges Arjuna to fight.

श्लोक 19

य एनं वेत्ति हंतारं यश्चैनं मन्यते हतम्।
उभौ तौ न विजानीतो नायं हंति न हन्यते॥

Ya Enam Vetti Hantaram Yashchainam Manyate Hatam |
Ubhau Tau Na Vijanito Nayam Hanti Na Hanyate ||

Krishna says that one who regards the embodied self as a killer or as killed does not understand his account: it neither kills nor is killed.

श्लोक 20

न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचिन्नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः।
अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे॥

Na Jayate Mriyate Va Kadachinnayam Bhutva Bhavita Va Na Bhuyah |
Ajo Nityah Shashvato'yam Purano Na Hanyate Hanyamane Sharire ||

Krishna says the embodied self is not born or killed, is lasting and ancient, and is not slain when the body is slain.

श्लोक 21

वेदाविनाशिनं नित्यं य एनमजमव्ययम्।
कथं स पुरुषः पार्थ कं घातयति हंति कम्॥

Vedavinashinam Nityam Ya Enamajamavyayam |
Katham Sa Purushah Partha Kam Ghatayati Hanti Kam ||

Krishna asks how someone who knows this embodied self as indestructible, eternal, unborn and imperishable could kill anyone or cause anyone to be killed.

श्लोक 22

वासांसि जीर्णानि यथा विहाय नवानि गृह्णाति नरोऽपराणि।
तथा शरीराणि विहाय जीर्णान्यन्यानि संयाति नवानि देही॥

Vasamsi Jirnani Yatha Vihaya Navani Grihnati Naro'parani |
Tatha Sharirani Vihaya Jirnanyanyani Samyati Navani Dehi ||

Krishna compares the embodied one's leaving worn-out bodies and entering new ones to a person discarding old clothes and taking up others.

श्लोक 23

नैनं छिंदंति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावकः।
न चैनं क्लेदयंत्यापो न शोषयति मारुतः॥

Nainam Chhindanti Shastrani Nainam Dahati Pavakah |
Na Chainam Kledayantyapo Na Shoshayati Marutah ||

Krishna says weapons do not cut the embodied self, fire does not burn it, water does not wet it and wind does not dry it.

श्लोक 24

अच्छेद्योऽयमदाह्योऽयमक्लेद्योऽशोष्य एव च।
नित्यः सर्वगतः स्थाणुरचलोऽयं सनातनः॥

Achchhedyo'yamadahyo'yamakledyo'shoshya Eva Cha |
Nityah Sarvagatah Sthanurachalo'yam Sanatanah ||

Krishna describes the embodied self as unable to be cut, burned, wetted or dried, and as eternal, all-pervading, stable, unmoving and ancient.

श्लोक 25

अव्यक्तोऽयमचिंत्योऽयमविकार्योऽयमुच्यते।
तस्मादेवं विदित्वैनं नानुशोचितुमर्हसि॥

Avyakto'yamachintyo'yamavikaryo'yamuchyate |
Tasmadevam Viditvainam Nanushochitumarhasi ||

Krishna calls it unmanifest, beyond thought and unchanging; knowing it in this way, he tells Arjuna not to grieve.

श्लोक 26

अथ चैनं नित्यजातं नित्यं वा मन्यसे मृतम्।
तथापि त्वं महाबाहो नैनं शोचितुमर्हसि॥

Atha Chainam Nityajatam Nityam Va Manyase Mritam |
Tathapi Tvam Mahabaho Nainam Shochitumarhasi ||

Krishna tells Arjuna that even if he thinks of this self as continually born and continually dying, he still need not grieve for it.

श्लोक 27

जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्युर्ध्रुवं जन्म मृतस्य च।
तस्मादपरिहार्येऽर्थे न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि॥

Jatasya Hi Dhruvo Mrityurdhruvam Janma Mritasya Cha |
Tasmadapariharye'rthe Na Tvam Shochitumarhasi ||

Krishna says death is certain for one who is born and birth for one who has died; on what cannot be avoided, he tells Arjuna not to grieve.

श्लोक 28

अव्यक्तादीनि भूतानि व्यक्तमध्यानि भारत।
अव्यक्तनिधनान्येव तत्र का परिदेवना॥

Avyaktadini Bhutani Vyaktamadhyani Bharata |
Avyaktanidhananyeva Tatra Ka Paridevana ||

Krishna calls beings unmanifest before their appearance, manifest in between and unmanifest again at their end, then asks Arjuna what there is to lament.

श्लोक 29

आश्चर्यवत्पश्यति कश्चिदेनमाश्चर्यवद्वदति तथैव चान्यः।
आश्चर्यवच्चैनमन्यः शृणोति श्रुत्वाप्येनं वेद न चैव कश्चित्॥

Ashcharyavatpashyati Kashchidenamashcharyavadvadati Tathaiva Chanyah |
Ashcharyavachchainamanyah Shrinoti Shrutvapyenam Veda Na Chaiva Kashchit ||

Krishna says one person sees this self as a wonder, another speaks of it as a wonder and another hears of it so; even after hearing, no one truly knows it.

श्लोक 30

देही नित्यमवध्योऽयं देहे सर्वस्य भारत।
तस्मात्सर्वाणि भूतानि न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि॥

Dehi Nityamavadhyo'yam Dehe Sarvasya Bharata |
Tasmatsarvani Bhutani Na Tvam Shochitumarhasi ||

Krishna calls the embodied one in every body always beyond killing and again tells Arjuna not to grieve for any beings.

श्लोक 31

स्वधर्ममपि चावेक्ष्य न विकंपितुमर्हसि।
धर्म्याद्धि युद्धाच्छ्रेयोऽन्यत्क्षत्रियस्य न विद्यते॥

Svadharmamapi Chavekshya Na Vikampitumarhasi |
Dharmyaddhi Yuddhachchhreyo'nyatkshatriyasya Na Vidyate ||

Krishna asks Arjuna to consider his own duty and says that, for a kshatriya in this dialogue, nothing is better than a just battle.

श्लोक 32

यदृच्छया चोपपन्नं स्वर्गद्वारमपावृतम्।
सुखिनः क्षत्रियाः पार्थ लभन्ते युद्धमीदृशम्॥

Yadrichchhaya Chopapannam Svargadvaramapavritam |
Sukhinah Kshatriyah Partha Labhante Yuddhamidrisham ||

Krishna calls such an unsought battle an open gate to heaven and says that kshatriyas who receive it are fortunate.

श्लोक 33

अथ चेत्त्वमिमं धर्म्यं संग्रामं न करिष्यसि।
ततः स्वधर्मं कीर्तिं च हित्वा पापमवाप्स्यसि॥

Atha Chettvamimam Dharmyam Sangramam Na Karishyasi |
Tatah Svadharmam Kirtim Cha Hitva Papamavapsyasi ||

Krishna says that if Arjuna does not take part in this battle he calls just, Arjuna will abandon his duty and reputation and incur wrongdoing.

श्लोक 34

अकीर्तिं चापि भूतानि कथयिष्यंति तेऽव्ययाम्।
संभावितस्य चाकीर्तिर्मरणादतिरिच्यते॥

Akirtim Chapi Bhutani Kathayishyanti Te'vyayam |
Sambhavitasya Chakirtirmaranadatirichyate ||

Krishna says people will speak of Arjuna's lasting disgrace and that, for someone held in esteem, disgrace is worse than death.

श्लोक 35

भयाद्रणादुपरतं मंस्यंते त्वां महारथाः।
येषां च त्वं बहुमतो भूत्वा यास्यसि लाघवम्॥

Bhayadranaduparatam Mamsyante Tvam Maharathah |
Yesham Cha Tvam Bahumato Bhutva Yasyasi Laghavam ||

Krishna says the great chariot-warriors will think Arjuna withdrew from the fight out of fear, so the one they respected will be held in less regard.

श्लोक 36

अवाच्यवादांश्च बहून्वदिष्यंति तवाहिताः।
निंदंतस्तव सामर्थ्यं ततो दुःखतरं नु किम्॥

Avachyavadamshcha Bahunvadishyanti Tavahitah |
Nindantastava Samarthyam Tato Duhkhataram Nu Kim ||

Krishna says Arjuna's enemies will speak many unworthy words and disparage his strength, asking what could hurt more.

श्लोक 37

हतो वा प्राप्स्यसि स्वर्गं जित्वा वा भोक्ष्यसे महीम्।
तस्मादुत्तिष्ठ कौन्तेय युद्धाय कृतनिश्चयः॥

Hato Va Prapsyasi Svargam Jitva Va Bhokshyase Mahim |
Tasmaduttishtha Kaunteya Yuddhaya Kritanishchayah ||

Krishna tells Arjuna that death in battle would bring heaven and victory would bring rule on earth, and urges him to rise with resolve to fight.

श्लोक 38

सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ।
ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि॥

Sukhaduhkhe Same Kritva Labhalabhau Jayajayau |
Tato Yuddhaya Yujyasva Naivam Papamavapsyasi ||

Krishna asks Arjuna to regard pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat alike, then engage in battle; he says Arjuna would not thereby incur wrongdoing.

श्लोक 39

एषा तेऽभिहिता सांख्ये बुद्धिर्योगे त्विमां शृणु।
बुद्ध्या युक्तो यया पार्थ कर्मबंधं प्रहास्यसि॥

Esha Te'bhihita Sankhye Buddhiryoge Tvimam Shrinu |
Buddhya Yukto Yaya Partha Karmabandham Prahasyasi ||

Krishna says he has explained understanding in Sankhya and now asks Arjuna to hear it in Yoga; joined to this understanding, Arjuna may leave the bond of action behind.

श्लोक 40

नेहाभिक्रमनाशोऽस्ति प्रत्यवायो न विद्यते।
स्वल्पमप्यस्य धर्मस्य त्रायते महतो भयात्॥

Nehabhikramanasho'sti Pratyavayo Na Vidyate |
Svalpamapyasya Dharmasya Trayate Mahato Bhayat ||

Krishna says effort in this path is not lost and brings no adverse result; even a little of this dharma protects from great fear.

श्लोक 41

व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धिरेकेह कुरुनंदन।
बहुशाखा ह्यनंताश्च बुद्धयोऽव्यवसायिनाम्॥

Vyavasayatmika Buddhirekeha Kurunandana |
Bahushakha Hyanantashcha Buddhayo'vyavasayinam ||

Krishna contrasts single-minded resolve on this path with the many-branched, endless thoughts of those without such resolve.

श्लोक 42

यामिमां पुष्पितां वाचं प्रवदंत्यविपश्चितः।
वेदवादरताः पार्थ नान्यदस्तीति वादिनः॥

Yamimam Pushpitam Vacham Pravadantyavipashchitah |
Vedavadaratah Partha Nanyadastiti Vadinah ||

Krishna criticizes people he calls undiscerning, pleased with Vedic speech and insisting there is nothing else, for speaking in elaborate promises.

श्लोक 43

कामात्मानः स्वर्गपरा जन्मकर्मफलप्रदाम्।
क्रियाविशेषबहुलां भोगैश्वर्यगतिं प्रति॥

Kamatmanah Svargapara Janmakarmaphalapradam |
Kriyavisheshabahulam Bhogaishvaryagatim Prati ||

Continuing that description, Krishna says they are desire-led and heaven-directed, speaking of birth and action's fruits through many special rites aimed at enjoyment and power.

श्लोक 44

भोगैश्वर्यप्रसक्तानां तयापहृतचेतसाम्।
व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धिः समाधौ न विधीयते॥

Bhogaishvaryaprasaktanam Tayapahritachetasam |
Vyavasayatmika Buddhih Samadhau Na Vidhiyate ||

For people attached to enjoyment and power, whose minds are carried off by that speech, Krishna says steady resolve does not become established in contemplation.

श्लोक 45

त्रैगुण्यविषया वेदा निस्त्रैगुण्यो भवार्जुन।
निर्द्वंद्वो नित्यसत्त्वस्थो निर्योगक्षेम आत्मवान्॥

Traigunyavishaya Veda Nistraigunyo Bhavarjuna |
Nirdvandvo Nityasattvastho Niryogakshema Atmavan ||

Krishna says the Vedas concern the three qualities and urges Arjuna to go beyond them, beyond opposites, steady in sattva, free from anxiety over acquiring and keeping, and self-possessed.

श्लोक 46

यावानर्थ उदपाने सर्वतः संप्लुतोदके।
तावान्सर्वेषु वेदेषु ब्राह्मणस्य विजानतः॥

Yavanartha Udapane Sarvatah Samplutodake |
Tavansarveshu Vedeshu Brahmanasya Vijanatah ||

Krishna compares the use of a well when water is abundant everywhere with the use of all the Vedas for a Brahmin who understands.

श्लोक 47

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते संगोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥

Karmanyevadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana |
Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma Te Sango'stvakarmani ||

Krishna tells Arjuna that his sphere of action is his own, not control over its fruits; he should neither act solely for a result nor become attached to inaction.

श्लोक 48

योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि संगं त्यक्त्वा धनंजय।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते॥

Yogasthah Kuru Karmani Sangam Tyaktva Dhananjaya |
Siddhyasiddhyoh Samo Bhutva Samatvam Yoga Uchyate ||

Krishna tells Arjuna to act while grounded in yoga, letting go of attachment and remaining even toward success and failure; he calls such evenness yoga.

श्लोक 49

दूरेण ह्यवरं कर्म बुद्धियोगाद्धनंजय।
बुद्धौ शरणमन्विच्छ कृपणाः फलहेतवः॥

Durena Hyavaram Karma Buddhiyogaddhananjaya |
Buddhau Sharanamanvichchha Kripanah Phalahetavah ||

Krishna calls action pursued for its fruits far lesser than yoga joined with understanding, asks Arjuna to seek refuge in that understanding, and criticizes those driven by rewards.

श्लोक 50

बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते।
तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्॥

Buddhiyukto Jahatiha Ubhe Sukritadushkrite |
Tasmadyogaya Yujyasva Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam ||

Krishna says a person joined with understanding leaves behind both merit and demerit bound up with action; he urges Arjuna toward yoga, which he calls skill in action.

श्लोक 51

कर्मजं बुद्धियुक्ता हि फलं त्यक्त्वा मनीषिणः।
जन्मबंधविनिर्मुक्ताः पदं गच्छंत्यनामयम्॥

Karmajam Buddhiyukta Hi Phalam Tyaktva Manishinah |
Janmabandhavinirmuktah Padam Gachchhantyanamayam ||

Krishna says the wise, joined with understanding and letting go of action's fruit, are freed from the bond of birth and reach a state free from affliction.

श्लोक 52

यदा ते मोहकलिलं बुद्धिर्व्यतितरिष्यति।
तदा गंतासि निर्वेदं श्रोतव्यस्य श्रुतस्य च॥

Yada Te Mohakalilam Buddhirvyatitarishyati |
Tada Gantasi Nirvedam Shrotavyasya Shrutasya Cha ||

Krishna says that when Arjuna's understanding crosses the tangle of confusion, he will become detached from what has been heard and what remains to be heard.

श्लोक 53

श्रुतिविप्रतिपन्ना ते यदा स्थास्यति निश्चला।
समाधावचला बुद्धिस्तदा योगमवाप्स्यसि॥

Shrutivipratipanna Te Yada Sthasyati Nishchala |
Samadhavachala Buddhistada Yogamavapsyasi ||

Krishna says that when Arjuna's understanding, pulled in differing directions by what he has heard, becomes steady and unmoving in contemplation, he will attain yoga.

श्लोक 54

अर्जुन उवाच

स्थितप्रज्ञस्य का भाषा समाधिस्थस्य केशव।

स्थितधीः किं प्रभाषेत किमासीत व्रजेत किम्॥

Arjuna Uvacha

Sthitaprajnasya Ka Bhasha Samadhisthasya Keshava |

Sthitadhih Kim Prabhasheta Kimasita Vrajeta Kim ||

Arjuna asks Krishna how to recognize someone whose understanding is steady in contemplation: how does such a person speak, sit and move?

श्लोक 55

श्रीभगवानुवाच

प्रजहाति यदा कामान्सर्वान्पार्थ मनोगतान्।

आत्मन्येवात्मना तुष्टः स्थितप्रज्ञस्तदोच्यते॥

Shribhagavanuvacha

Prajahati Yada Kamansarvanpartha Manogatan |

Atmanyevatmana Tushtah Sthitaprajnastadochyate ||

Krishna replies that a person is called steady in understanding when they let go of the mind's desires and find contentment in the self by the self.

श्लोक 56

दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः।
वीतरागभयक्रोधः स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते॥

Duhkheshvanudvignamanah Sukheshu Vigatasprihah |
Vitaragabhayakrodhah Sthitadhirmuniruchyate ||

Krishna describes a steady-minded sage as not overwhelmed by pain, not grasping at pleasure, and free from clinging, fear and anger.

श्लोक 57

यः सर्वत्रानभिस्नेहस्तत्तत्प्राप्य शुभाशुभम्।
नाभिनंदति न द्वेष्टि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता॥

Yah Sarvatranabhisnehastattatprapya Shubhashubham |
Nabhinandati Na Dveshti Tasya Prajna Pratishthita ||

Krishna says understanding is steady in one who does not cling anywhere or swing between elation and hatred when meeting what is favorable or unfavorable.

श्लोक 58

यदा संहरते चायं कूर्मोऽङ्गानीव सर्वशः।
इंद्रियाणींद्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता॥

Yada Samharate Chayam Kurmo'nganiva Sarvashah |
Indriyanindriyarthebhyastasya Prajna Pratishthita ||

Krishna likens gathering the senses away from their objects to a tortoise drawing in its limbs, calling such understanding steady.

श्लोक 59

विषया विनिवर्तंते निराहारस्य देहिनः।
रसवर्जं रसोऽप्यस्य परं दृष्ट्वा निवर्तते॥

Vishaya Vinivartante Niraharasya Dehinah |
Rasavarjam Raso'pyasya Param Drishtva Nivartate ||

Krishna distinguishes turning away from sense objects from losing the taste for them; he says that taste subsides on seeing the highest.

श्लोक 60

यततो ह्यपि कौंतेय पुरुषस्य विपश्चितः।
इंद्रियाणि प्रमाथीनि हरंति प्रसभं मनः॥

Yatato Hyapi Kaunteya Purushasya Vipashchitah |
Indriyani Pramathini Haranti Prasabham Manah ||

Krishna warns Arjuna that even a discerning person who strives can have the mind forcefully pulled away by turbulent senses.

श्लोक 61

तानि सर्वाणि संयम्य युक्त आसीत मत्परः।
वशे हि यस्येंद्रियाणि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता॥

Tani Sarvani Samyamya Yukta Asita Matparah |
Vashe Hi Yasyendriyani Tasya Prajna Pratishthita ||

Krishna asks one to gather the senses, remain integrated, and take him as the highest aim; understanding is steady when the senses are under one's direction.

श्लोक 62

ध्यायतो विषयान्पुंसः संगस्तेषूपजायते।
संगात्संजायते कामः कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते॥

Dhyayato Vishayanpumsah Sangasteshupajayate |
Sangatsanjayate Kamah Kamatkrodho'bhijayate ||

Krishna traces a sequence from dwelling on sense objects to attachment, from attachment to desire, and from desire to anger.

श्लोक 63

क्रोधाद्भवति संमोहः संमोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रमः।
स्मृतिभ्रंशाद् बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति॥

Krodhadbhavati Sammohah Sammohatsmritivibhramah |
Smritibhramshad Buddhinasho Buddhinashatpranashyati ||

Krishna continues: anger gives rise to confusion, confusion disturbs memory, and the loss of memory and discernment ends in ruin.

श्लोक 64

रागद्वेषवियुक्तैस्तु विषयानिंद्रियैश्चरन्।
आत्मवश्यैर्विधेयात्मा प्रसादमधिगच्छति॥

Ragadveshaviyuktaistu Vishayanindriyaishcharan |
Atmavashyairvidheyatma Prasadamadhigachchhati ||

Krishna says a self-directed person can move among sense objects with senses free from attraction and aversion and reach inner clarity.

श्लोक 65

प्रसादे सर्वदुःखानां हानिरस्योपजायते।
प्रसन्नचेतसो ह्याशु बुद्धिः पर्यवतिष्ठते॥

Prasade Sarvaduhkhanam Hanirasyopajayate |
Prasannachetaso Hyashu Buddhih Paryavatishthate ||

Krishna says clarity calms suffering and lets the understanding of a tranquil-minded person become steady.

श्लोक 66

नास्ति बुद्धिरयुक्तस्य न चायुक्तस्य भावना।
न चाभावयतः शांतिरशांतस्य कुतः सुखम्॥

Nasti Buddhirayuktasya Na Chayuktasya Bhavana |
Na Chabhavayatah Shantirashantasya Kutah Sukham ||

Krishna links an unintegrated mind with lack of contemplation and peace, then asks how happiness can arise without peace.

श्लोक 67

इंद्रियाणां हि चरतां यन्मनोऽनुविधीयते।
तदस्य हरति प्रज्ञां वायुर्नावमिवांभसि॥

Indriyanam Hi Charatam Yanmano'nuvidhiyate |
Tadasya Harati Prajnam Vayurnavamivambhasi ||

Krishna compares a mind following wandering senses to wind carrying a boat away on water, disturbing discernment.

श्लोक 68

तस्माद्यस्य महाबाहो निगृहीतानि सर्वशः।
इंद्रियाणींद्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता॥

Tasmadyasya Mahabaho Nigrihitani Sarvashah |
Indriyanindriyarthebhyastasya Prajna Pratishthita ||

Krishna concludes that the understanding of one whose senses are held back from their objects is steady.

श्लोक 69

या निशा सर्वभूतानां तस्यां जागर्ति संयमी।
यस्यां जाग्रति भूतानि सा निशा पश्यतो मुनेः॥

Ya Nisha Sarvabhutanam Tasyam Jagarti Samyami |
Yasyam Jagrati Bhutani Sa Nisha Pashyato Muneh ||

Krishna contrasts what seems like night to ordinary beings with the insight in which a disciplined sage is awake, and reverses the image for ordinary waking.

श्लोक 70

आपूर्यमाणमचलप्रतिष्ठं
समुद्रमापः प्रविशंति यद्वत्।
तद्वत्कामा यं प्रविशंति सर्वे
स शांतिमाप्नोति न कामकामी॥

Apuryamanamachalapratishtham
Samudramapah Pravishanti Yadvat |
Tadvatkama Yam Pravishanti Sarve
Sa Shantimapnoti Na Kamakami ||

Krishna likens a person at peace, even as desires reach them, to the sea receiving rivers without losing its steadiness; craving desire does not bring that peace.

श्लोक 71

विहाय कामान्यः सर्वान्पुमांश्चरति निःस्पृहः।
निर्ममो निरहंकारः स शांतिमधिगच्छति॥

Vihaya Kamanyah Sarvanpumamshcharati Nihsprihah |
Nirmamo Nirahankarah Sa Shantimadhigachchhati ||

Krishna describes one who lets go of desires, lives without craving or possessiveness, and is free of ego as attaining peace.

श्लोक 72

एषा ब्राह्मी स्थितिः पार्थ नैनां प्राप्य विमुह्यति।
स्थित्वास्यामंतकालेऽपि ब्रह्म निर्वाणमृच्छति॥

Esha Brahmi Sthitih Partha Nainam Prapya Vimuhyati |
Sthitvasyamantakale'pi Brahma Nirvanamrichchhati ||

Krishna calls this the state grounded in Brahman, saying one who reaches it is no longer bewildered and, established in it even at life's end, reaches liberation in Brahman.