Chapter 2 · Transcendental Knowledge

2.1

सञ्जय उवाच | तं तथा कृपयाविष्टमश्रुपूर्णाकुलेक्षणम् | विषीदन्तमिदं वाक्यमुवाच मधुसूदनः ||२-१||

sañjaya uvāca . taṃ tathā kṛpayāviṣṭamaśrupūrṇākulekṣaṇam . viṣīdantamidaṃ vākyamuvāca madhusūdanaḥ ||2-1||

Sanjaya describes how Madhusudana, seeing Arjuna overcome with compassion, his eyes brimming with tears and filled with distress, spoke to him in his time of need. Arjuna was despondent, and Krishna's words were meant to comfort him. Krishna saw Arjuna's anguish and responded with words of solace.

2.2

श्रीभगवानुवाच | कुतस्त्वा कश्मलमिदं विषमे समुपस्थितम् | अनार्यजुष्टमस्वर्ग्यमकीर्तिकरमर्जुन ||२-२||

śrībhagavānuvāca . kutastvā kaśmalamidaṃ viṣame samupasthitam . anāryajuṣṭamasvargyamakīrtikaramarjuna ||2-2||

Krishna said, where has this weakness come from, Arjuna, this self-doubt that's unbecoming of you and will only bring you a bad reputation and keep you from a higher purpose?

2.3

क्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः पार्थ नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते | क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप ||२-३||

klaibyaṃ mā sma gamaḥ pārtha naitattvayyupapadyate . kṣudraṃ hṛdayadaurbalyaṃ tyaktvottiṣṭha parantapa ||2-3||

Don't give in to weakness, Arjuna, it's not fitting for you. Let go of this petty frailty of heart and rise up, brave warrior.

2.4

अर्जुन उवाच | कथं भीष्ममहं सङ्ख्ये द्रोणं च मधुसूदन | इषुभिः प्रतियोत्स्यामि पूजार्हावरिसूदन ||२-४||

arjuna uvāca . kathaṃ bhīṣmamahaṃ saṅkhye droṇaṃ ca madhusūdana . iṣubhiḥ pratiyotsyāmi pūjārhāvarisūdana ||2-4||

Arjuna said, How can I possibly fight against Bhishma and Drona with arrows, when they're the kind of people I should be honoring, Madhusudana, destroyer of enemies?

2.5

गुरूनहत्वा हि महानुभावान् श्रेयो भोक्तुं भैक्ष्यमपीह लोके | हत्वार्थकामांस्तु गुरूनिहैव भुञ्जीय भोगान् रुधिरप्रदिग्धान् ||२-५||

gurūnahatvā hi mahānubhāvān śreyo bhoktuṃ bhaikṣyamapīha loke . hatvārthakāmāṃstu gurūnihaiva bhuñjīya bhogān rudhirapradigdhān ||2-5||

It's better to live a simple life, even relying on the charity of others, than to kill great souls like my teachers. If I were to kill them, any wealth or fulfillment I might gain would be tainted by their blood, and all my pleasures would be stained by the cost of my actions.

2.6

न चैतद्विद्मः कतरन्नो गरीयो यद्वा जयेम यदि वा नो जयेयुः | यानेव हत्वा न जिजीविषामस्- तेऽवस्थिताः प्रमुखे धार्तराष्ट्राः ||२-६||

na caitadvidmaḥ kataranno garīyo yadvā jayema yadi vā no jayeyuḥ . yāneva hatvā na jijīviṣāmaḥ te.avasthitāḥ pramukhe dhārtarāṣṭrāḥ ||2-6||

I'm torn about what's more desirable, winning or losing, because if we emerge victorious, it would mean killing the sons of Dhritarashtra, and that's a devastating prospect, since they're the very people we can't bear the thought of living without, and yet they're standing right in front of us, ready to fight.

2.7

कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेताः | यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम् ||२-७||

kārpaṇyadoṣopahatasvabhāvaḥ pṛcchāmi tvāṃ dharmasammūḍhacetāḥ . yacchreyaḥ syānniścitaṃ brūhi tanme śiṣyaste.ahaṃ śādhi māṃ tvāṃ prapannam ||2-7||

I'm overwhelmed by self-doubt and unsure about what's right, so I'm asking you, Krishna, to guide me clearly on what's truly best for me. I consider myself your student, and I've come to you for help, so please show me the way.

2.8

न हि प्रपश्यामि ममापनुद्याद् यच्छोकमुच्छोषणमिन्द्रियाणाम् | अवाप्य भूमावसपत्नमृद्धं राज्यं सुराणामपि चाधिपत्यम् ||२-८||

na hi prapaśyāmi mamāpanudyād yacchokamucchoṣaṇamindriyāṇām . avāpya bhūmāvasapatnamṛddhaṃ rājyaṃ surāṇāmapi cādhipatyam ||2-8||

I don't see how even gaining a rich and unchallenged kingdom on earth or becoming the ruler of the gods would alleviate the grief that's overwhelming my senses.

2.9

सञ्जय उवाच | एवमुक्त्वा हृषीकेशं गुडाकेशः परन्तप | न योत्स्य इति गोविन्दमुक्त्वा तूष्णीं बभूव ह ||२-९||

sañjaya uvāca . evamuktvā hṛṣīkeśaṃ guḍākeśaḥ parantapaḥ . na yotsya iti govindamuktvā tūṣṇīṃ babhūva ha ||2-9||

Sanjaya said that after speaking, Arjuna, the conqueror of sleep, told Krishna that he would not fight, and then he fell silent.

2.10

तमुवाच हृषीकेशः प्रहसन्निव भारत | सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये विषीदन्तमिदं वचः ||२-१०||

tamuvāca hṛṣīkeśaḥ prahasanniva bhārata . senayorubhayormadhye viṣīdantamidaṃ vacaḥ ||2-10||

Krishna, with a gentle smile, spoke to Arjuna, who stood despairing between the two armies, his spirits sunk.

2.11

श्रीभगवानुवाच | अशोच्यानन्वशोचस्त्वं प्रज्ञावादांश्च भाषसे | गतासूनगतासूंश्च नानुशोचन्ति पण्डिताः ||२-११||

śrībhagavānuvāca . aśocyānanvaśocastvaṃ prajñāvādāṃśca bhāṣase . gatāsūnagatāsūṃśca nānuśocanti paṇḍitāḥ ||2-11||

Krishna said, you're mourning those who don't need your tears, yet you speak like a wise person. People of true understanding don't mourn either the living or the dead.

2.12

न त्वेवाहं जातु नासं न त्वं नेमे जनाधिपाः | न चैव न भविष्यामः सर्वे वयमतः परम् ||२-१२||

na tvevāhaṃ jātu nāsaṃ na tvaṃ neme janādhipāḥ . na caiva na bhaviṣyāmaḥ sarve vayamataḥ param ||2-12||

There has never been a moment when I didn't exist, nor you, nor these kings, and there will never be a moment when we will cease to exist, all of us will continue to be, even beyond this point.

2.13

देहिनोऽस्मिन्यथा देहे कौमारं यौवनं जरा | तथा देहान्तरप्राप्तिर्धीरस्तत्र न मुह्यति ||२-१३||

dehino.asminyathā dehe kaumāraṃ yauvanaṃ jarā . tathā dehāntaraprāptirdhīrastatra na muhyati ||2-13||

In this body, the soul goes through childhood, youth, and old age, and similarly, it moves on to another body. A person of wisdom remains calm and composed, untroubled by this transition, seeing it as a natural part of life.

2.14 · Equanimity

मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः | आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत ||२-१४||

mātrāsparśāstu kaunteya śītoṣṇasukhaduḥkhadāḥ . āgamāpāyino.anityāstāṃstitikṣasva bhārata ||2-14||

Contacts of the senses, O son of Kunti, give cold and heat, pleasure and pain. They come and go, they are impermanent. Endure them bravely, O Bharata.

2.15

यं हि न व्यथयन्त्येते पुरुषं पुरुषर्षभ | समदुःखसुखं धीरं सोऽमृतत्वाय कल्पते ||२-१५||

yaṃ hi na vyathayantyete puruṣaṃ puruṣarṣabha . samaduḥkhasukhaṃ dhīraṃ so.amṛtatvāya kalpate ||2-15||

A person who remains steadfast and unruffled by life's challenges, and for whom joy and sorrow are equally tolerable, is the one who becomes eligible to experience the state of immortality, says Krishna to Arjuna.

2.16

नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः | उभयोरपि दृष्टोऽन्तस्त्वनयोस्तत्त्वदर्शिभिः ||२-१६||

nāsato vidyate bhāvo nābhāvo vidyate sataḥ . ubhayorapi dṛṣṭo.antastvanayostattvadarśibhiḥ ||2-16||

What doesn't exist can't come into existence, and what does exist can't cease to be. Those who have insight into the true nature of reality understand this fundamental principle about the existence and non-existence of things.

2.17

अविनाशि तु तद्विद्धि येन सर्वमिदं ततम् | विनाशमव्ययस्यास्य न कश्चित्कर्तुमर्हति ||२-१७||

avināśi tu tadviddhi yena sarvamidaṃ tatam . vināśamavyayasyāsya na kaścitkartumarhati ||2-17||

The essence that permeates everything is indestructible, and no one has the power to destroy it, for it is eternal and unchanging. This eternal presence is the foundation of all existence, and it cannot be harmed or annihilated. It is the unshakeable reality that underlies all of life.

2.18

अन्तवन्त इमे देहा नित्यस्योक्ताः शरीरिणः | अनाशिनोऽप्रमेयस्य तस्माद्युध्यस्व भारत ||२-१८||

antavanta ime dehā nityasyoktāḥ śarīriṇaḥ . anāśino.aprameyasya tasmādyudhyasva bhārata ||2-18||

These physical bodies are temporary and will eventually perish, but the soul that inhabits them is eternal, indestructible, and beyond human comprehension, so Arjuna, don't hesitate to act. The bodies are fragile and fleeting, while the inner self is unbreakable and limitless. With this understanding, move forward and engage in battle.

2.19

य एनं वेत्ति हन्तारं यश्चैनं मन्यते हतम् | उभौ तौ न विजानीतो नायं हन्ति न हन्यते ||२-१९||

ya enaṃ vetti hantāraṃ yaścainaṃ manyate hatam ubhau tau na vijānīto nāyaṃ hanti na hanyate ||2-19||

The person who believes the self is the killer and the one who thinks it can be killed are both mistaken. The self doesn't kill, and it can't be killed, because it's beyond all that.

2.20 · The eternal self

न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचिन् नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः | अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे ||२-२०||

na jāyate mriyate vā kadācin nāyaṃ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ . ajo nityaḥ śāśvato.ayaṃ purāṇo na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre ||2-20||

The soul is never born, nor does it ever die. Unborn, eternal, everlasting and ancient, it is not slain when the body is slain.

2.21

वेदाविनाशिनं नित्यं य एनमजमव्ययम् | कथं स पुरुषः पार्थ कं घातयति हन्ति कम् ||२-२१||

vedāvināśinaṃ nityaṃ ya enamajamavyayam . kathaṃ sa puruṣaḥ pārtha kaṃ ghātayati hanti kam ||2-21||

If someone realizes that the soul is indestructible, forever unchanged, and never born or dying, Arjuna, how could they possibly think of killing or ordering someone to be killed?

2.22

वासांसि जीर्णानि यथा विहाय नवानि गृह्णाति नरोऽपराणि | तथा शरीराणि विहाय जीर्णा- न्यन्यानि संयाति नवानि देही ||२-२२||

vāsāṃsi jīrṇāni yathā vihāya navāni gṛhṇāti naro.aparāṇi . tathā śarīrāṇi vihāya jīrṇāni anyāni saṃyāti navāni dehī ||2-22||

Just as we shed old, worn-out clothes and put on new ones, the soul sheds its old, worn-out body and moves into a new one, leaving the old behind. This process is a natural part of life, where the embodied self takes on a new form. The soul is not limited by its physical body and can transition into a new one, just like we change our clothes.

2.23

नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावकः | न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुतः ||२-२३||

nainaṃ chindanti śastrāṇi nainaṃ dahati pāvakaḥ . na cainaṃ kledayantyāpo na śoṣayati mārutaḥ ||2-23||

No sword can cut it, no fire can burn it, no water can wet it, and no wind can dry it, because it's beyond the reach of all these elements.

2.24

अच्छेद्योऽयमदाह्योऽयमक्लेद्योऽशोष्य एव च | नित्यः सर्वगतः स्थाणुरचलोऽयं सनातनः ||२-२४||

acchedyo.ayamadāhyo.ayamakledyo.aśoṣya eva ca . nityaḥ sarvagataḥ sthāṇuracalo.ayaṃ sanātanaḥ ||2-24||

The self is indestructible, unable to be harmed by fire, water, or any other element. It's eternal, present everywhere, and unchanging, remaining firm and steadfast, a timeless and enduring presence.

2.25

अव्यक्तोऽयमचिन्त्योऽयमविकार्योऽयमुच्यते | तस्मादेवं विदित्वैनं नानुशोचितुमर्हसि ||२-२५||

avyakto.ayamacintyo.ayamavikāryo.ayamucyate . tasmādevaṃ viditvainaṃ nānuśocitumarhasi ||2-25||

The self is described as beyond human perception, impossible to fully comprehend, and unchanging. Knowing this, Arjuna, you have no reason to mourn. This understanding should bring you peace, freeing you from sorrow.

2.26

अथ चैनं नित्यजातं नित्यं वा मन्यसे मृतम् | तथापि त्वं महाबाहो नैवं शोचितुमर्हसि ||२-२६||

atha cainaṃ nityajātaṃ nityaṃ vā manyase mṛtam . tathāpi tvaṃ mahābāho naivaṃ śocitumarhasi ||2-26||

Even if you think of the self as constantly being born and dying, Arjuna, you still have no reason to grieve, for this cycle doesn't warrant sorrow. Krishna is telling Arjuna that regardless of his perspective on the self's existence, grief is not an appropriate response. The self's eternal nature makes mourning unnecessary, so Arjuna should let go of his sadness.

2.27

जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्युर्ध्रुवं जन्म मृतस्य च | तस्मादपरिहार्येऽर्थे न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि ||२-२७||

jātasya hi dhruvo mṛtyurdhruvaṃ janma mṛtasya ca . tasmādaparihārye.arthe na tvaṃ śocitumarhasi ||2-27||

Death is inevitable for everything that's born, and birth is inevitable for everything that dies, so there's no point in grieving over something that can't be avoided.

2.28

अव्यक्तादीनि भूतानि व्यक्तमध्यानि भारत | अव्यक्तनिधनान्येव तत्र का परिदेवना ||२-२८||

avyaktādīni bhūtāni vyaktamadhyāni bhārata . avyaktanidhanānyeva tatra kā paridevanā ||2-28||

All living things begin and end in a state beyond our perception, Arjuna, but we see them in their visible, intermediate form - so what's there to mourn about their passing?

2.29

आश्चर्यवत्पश्यति कश्चिदेन- माश्चर्यवद्वदति तथैव चान्यः | आश्चर्यवच्चैनमन्यः शृणोति श्रुत्वाप्येनं वेद न चैव कश्चित् ||२-२९||

āścaryavatpaśyati kaścidenam āścaryavadvadati tathaiva cānyaḥ . āścaryavaccainamanyaḥ śṛṇoti śrutvāpyenaṃ veda na caiva kaścit ||2-29||

Some people are amazed when they see the true nature of the self, others talk about it in awe, and others listen to descriptions of it with wonder, but even after hearing about it, very few actually understand it.

2.30

देही नित्यमवध्योऽयं देहे सर्वस्य भारत | तस्मात्सर्वाणि भूतानि न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि ||२-३०||

dehī nityamavadhyo.ayaṃ dehe sarvasya bhārata . tasmātsarvāṇi bhūtāni na tvaṃ śocitumarhasi ||2-30||

The essence that dwells within every being is indestructible, Arjuna, so there's no need for you to mourn the loss of any living thing. This eternal presence remains unbroken, regardless of what happens to the physical body.

2.31

स्वधर्ममपि चावेक्ष्य न विकम्पितुमर्हसि | धर्म्याद्धि युद्धाच्छ्रेयोऽन्यत्क्षत्रियस्य न विद्यते ||२-३१||

svadharmamapi cāvekṣya na vikampitumarhasi . dharmyāddhi yuddhācchreyo.anyatkṣatriyasya na vidyate ||2-31||

Considering your duty as a warrior, you shouldn't hesitate, because for a member of the Kshatriya class, there's no greater opportunity to do what's right than fighting a just war.

2.32

यदृच्छया चोपपन्नं स्वर्गद्वारमपावृतम् | सुखिनः क्षत्रियाः पार्थ लभन्ते युद्धमीदृशम् ||२-३२||

yadṛcchayā copapannaṃ svargadvāramapāvṛtam . sukhinaḥ kṣatriyāḥ pārtha labhante yuddhamīdṛśam ||2-32||

It's a great fortune for warriors like you, Arjuna, to stumble upon a battle like this one, which presents itself as a direct path to the heavenly realm, offering a chance for heroic glory.

2.33

अथ चेत्त्वमिमं धर्म्यं संग्रामं न करिष्यसि | ततः स्वधर्मं कीर्तिं च हित्वा पापमवाप्स्यसि ||२-३३||

atha cettvamimaṃ dharmyaṃ saṃgrāmaṃ na kariṣyasi . tataḥ svadharmaṃ kīrtiṃ ca hitvā pāpamavāpsyasi ||2-33||

If you refuse to fight for what's right, you'll be giving up your honor and your duty, and that will lead to a life of regret and wrongdoing. By turning your back on this just cause, you'll suffer the consequences of abandoning your principles. You'll lose the respect and admiration that come with doing what's right, and instead, you'll be left with the burden of guilt.

2.34

अकीर्तिं चापि भूतानि कथयिष्यन्ति तेऽव्ययाम् | सम्भावितस्य चाकीर्तिर्मरणादतिरिच्यते ||२-३४||

akīrtiṃ cāpi bhūtāni kathayiṣyanti te.avyayām . sambhāvitasya cākīrtirmaraṇādatiricyate ||2-34||

Your reputation will be forever tarnished in the eyes of others, and for someone who has known honor, the shame of defeat is a fate worse than death. People will always remember your dishonor, and that's a burden that's harder to bear than death itself.

2.35

भयाद्रणादुपरतं मंस्यन्ते त्वां महारथाः | येषां च त्वं बहुमतो भूत्वा यास्यसि लाघवम् ||२-३५||

bhayādraṇāduparataṃ maṃsyante tvāṃ mahārathāḥ . yeṣāṃ ca tvaṃ bahumato bhūtvā yāsyasi lāghavam ||2-35||

The renowned warriors will assume you're retreating out of fear, and those who once held you in high esteem will now think poorly of you, considering you insignificant.

2.36

अवाच्यवादांश्च बहून्वदिष्यन्ति तवाहिताः | निन्दन्तस्तव सामर्थ्यं ततो दुःखतरं नु किम् ||२-३६||

avācyavādāṃśca bahūnvadiṣyanti tavāhitāḥ . nindantastava sāmarthyaṃ tato duḥkhataraṃ nu kim ||2-36||

Your enemies will say many hurtful things about you, questioning your abilities and courage, which will be extremely painful for you. They will try to undermine your strength and dignity, and what could be more distressing than that?

2.37

हतो वा प्राप्स्यसि स्वर्गं जित्वा वा भोक्ष्यसे महीम् | तस्मादुत्तिष्ठ कौन्तेय युद्धाय कृतनिश्चयः ||२-३७||

hato vā prāpsyasi svargaṃ jitvā vā bhokṣyase mahīm . tasmāduttiṣṭha kaunteya yuddhāya kṛtaniścayaḥ ||2-37||

If you're killed in battle, you'll reach heaven, and if you're victorious, you'll rule the earth, so rise up, Arjuna, with a firm decision to fight.

2.38

सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ | ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि ||२-३८||

sukhaduḥkhe same kṛtvā lābhālābhau jayājayau . tato yuddhāya yujyasva naivaṃ pāpamavāpsyasi ||2-38||

Treat pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat as equal, and then engage in battle without hesitation. By doing so, you'll be free from the burden of wrongdoing. This mindset will allow you to act without incurring guilt or shame, Arjuna.

2.39

एषा तेऽभिहिता साङ्ख्ये बुद्धिर्योगे त्विमां शृणु | बुद्ध्या युक्तो यया पार्थ कर्मबन्धं प्रहास्यसि ||२-३९||

eṣā te.abhihitā sāṅkhye buddhiryoge tvimāṃ śṛṇu . buddhyā yukto yayā pārtha karmabandhaṃ prahāsyasi ||2-39||

I've shared with you the wisdom of Sankhya, now listen as I explain the wisdom of Yoga, Arjuna, which will allow you to free yourself from the cycle of karma. With this understanding, you'll be able to break free from the bonds that tie you to your actions.

2.40

नेहाभिक्रमनाशोऽस्ति प्रत्यवायो न विद्यते | स्वल्पमप्यस्य धर्मस्य त्रायते महतो भयात् ||२-४०||

nehābhikramanāśo.asti pratyavāyo na vidyate . svalpamapyasya dharmasya trāyate mahato bhayāt ||2-40||

In this path, every effort counts and nothing is ever wasted. Even a small amount of spiritual practice can shield you from immense fear and danger, and there's no risk of negative consequences.

2.41

व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धिरेकेह कुरुनन्दन | बहुशाखा ह्यनन्ताश्च बुद्धयोऽव्यवसायिनाम् ||२-४१||

vyavasāyātmikā buddhirekeha kurunandana . bahuśākhā hyanantāśca buddhayo.avyavasāyinām ||2-41||

Arjuna, those with a focused mind have a single, unwavering intention, while the undecided have thoughts that branch out endlessly in many directions.

2.42

यामिमां पुष्पितां वाचं प्रवदन्त्यविपश्चितः | वेदवादरताः पार्थ नान्यदस्तीति वादिनः ||२-४२||

yāmimāṃ puṣpitāṃ vācaṃ pravadantyavipaścitaḥ . vedavādaratāḥ pārtha nānyadastīti vādinaḥ ||2-42||

The unwise speak in elaborate language, Arjuna, delighting in the poetic words of the Vedas and claiming that nothing else exists beyond them. They get caught up in the literal meaning of the scriptures, missing the deeper truth.

2.43

कामात्मानः स्वर्गपरा जन्मकर्मफलप्रदाम् | क्रियाविशेषबहुलां भोगैश्वर्यगतिं प्रति ||२-४३||

kāmātmānaḥ svargaparā janmakarmaphalapradām . kriyāviśeṣabahulāṃ bhogaiśvaryagatiṃ prati ||2-43||

Driven by their desires, they focus on gaining heavenly status and material comfort through elaborate rituals and specific actions, which ultimately lead to more births and a cycle of seeking pleasure and power. Their approach is centered on self-gratification and worldly achievements. They try to attain happiness and dominance through various intricate practices.

2.44

भोगैश्वर्यप्रसक्तानां तयापहृतचेतसाम् | व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धिः समाधौ न विधीयते ||२-४४||

bhogaiśvaryaprasaktānāṃ tayāpahṛtacetasām . vyavasāyātmikā buddhiḥ samādhau na vidhīyate ||2-44||

When people are caught up in desires for wealth and power, their minds become preoccupied and they lose focus, making it impossible for them to cultivate the steady, one-pointed mind that is necessary for deep meditation. Their thoughts are scattered, and they can't concentrate on a single goal. As a result, they can't achieve the inner stillness and clarity that comes from a focused mind.

2.45

त्रैगुण्यविषया वेदा निस्त्रैगुण्यो भवार्जुन | निर्द्वन्द्वो नित्यसत्त्वस्थो निर्योगक्षेम आत्मवान् ||२-४५||

traiguṇyaviṣayā vedā nistraiguṇyo bhavārjuna . nirdvandvo nityasattvastho niryogakṣema ātmavān ||2-45||

The Vedas focus on the three qualities of nature, but Arjuna, you should strive to rise above them. Let go of all dualities and remain grounded in a state of pure being, free from worries about gain or loss, and establish yourself in your true self.

2.46

यावानर्थ उदपाने सर्वतः सम्प्लुतोदके | तावान्सर्वेषु वेदेषु ब्राह्मणस्य विजानतः ||२-४६||

yāvānartha udapāne sarvataḥ samplutodake . tāvānsarveṣu vedeṣu brāhmaṇasya vijānataḥ ||2-46||

For a Brahmana who has realized the Self, the entire body of Vedic knowledge is as useful as a small pond surrounded by a vast flood of water, offering no additional benefit. Such a person has already gained the deepest understanding, making further scripture unnecessary. The Vedas become redundant for one who has attained this level of awareness.

2.47 · Duty without attachment

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन | मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ||२-४७||

karmaṇyevādhikāraste mā phaleṣu kadācana . mā karmaphalaheturbhūrmā te saṅgo.astvakarmaṇi ||2-47||

Your right is to the action alone, never to its fruits. Do not let the fruit of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.

2.48 · Evenness of mind

योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय | सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते ||२-४८||

yogasthaḥ kuru karmāṇi saṅgaṃ tyaktvā dhanañjaya . siddhyasiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā samatvaṃ yoga ucyate ||2-48||

Established in yoga, perform your actions, abandoning attachment, O Dhananjaya, remaining equal in success and failure. Such evenness of mind is called yoga.

2.49

दूरेण ह्यवरं कर्म बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय | बुद्धौ शरणमन्विच्छ कृपणाः फलहेतवः ||२-४९||

dūreṇa hyavaraṃ karma buddhiyogāddhanañjaya . buddhau śaraṇamanviccha kṛpaṇāḥ phalahetavaḥ ||2-49||

Arjuna, the path of spiritual wisdom is far superior to mere action. Find your refuge in this higher awareness, for those who are driven by a desire for rewards are truly impoverished.

2.50

बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते | तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योगः कर्मसु कौशलम् ||२-५०||

buddhiyukto jahātīha ubhe sukṛtaduṣkṛte . tasmādyogāya yujyasva yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam ||2-50||

With a clear and balanced mind, you can let go of both good and bad actions, so focus on cultivating a deeper connection with your inner self, for this is the key to mastering the art of living and finding skill in all that you do.

2.51

कर्मजं बुद्धियुक्ता हि फलं त्यक्त्वा मनीषिणः | जन्मबन्धविनिर्मुक्ताः पदं गच्छन्त्यनामयम् ||२-५१||

karmajaṃ buddhiyuktā hi phalaṃ tyaktvā manīṣiṇaḥ . janmabandhavinirmuktāḥ padaṃ gacchantyanāmayam ||2-51||

Those who are wise and self-aware let go of the need for specific outcomes from their actions, and by doing so, they break free from the cycle of birth and death, attaining a state of complete freedom from suffering. They reach a realm that is beyond all pain and distress. With their minds guided by wisdom, they achieve liberation.

2.52

यदा ते मोहकलिलं बुद्धिर्व्यतितरिष्यति | तदा गन्तासि निर्वेदं श्रोतव्यस्य श्रुतस्य च ||२-५२||

yadā te mohakalilaṃ buddhirvyatitariṣyati . tadā gantāsi nirvedaṃ śrotavyasya śrutasya ca ||2-52||

When your mind clears the confusion and rises above the illusions that bind you, you'll reach a point where you're no longer swayed by whatever you've learned or whatever you might still discover, and a deep sense of detachment will set in.

2.53

श्रुतिविप्रतिपन्ना ते यदा स्थास्यति निश्चला | समाधावचला बुद्धिस्तदा योगमवाप्स्यसि ||२-५३||

śrutivipratipannā te yadā sthāsyati niścalā . samādhāvacalā buddhistadā yogamavāpsyasi ||2-53||

When your mind, once confused by the conflicting ideas you've studied, becomes calm and steady, you'll experience the state of yoga and attain a deeper understanding of yourself. This happens when your intellect settles into a stable and unwavering state of inner peace. At that point, you'll have achieved a profound connection with your true nature.

2.54

अर्जुन उवाच | स्थितप्रज्ञस्य का भाषा समाधिस्थस्य केशव | स्थितधीः किं प्रभाषेत किमासीत व्रजेत किम् ||२-५४||

arjuna uvāca . sthitaprajñasya kā bhāṣā samādhisthasya keśava . sthitadhīḥ kiṃ prabhāṣeta kimāsīta vrajeta kim ||2-54||

Arjuna asks Krishna to describe someone with steady wisdom who is deeply absorbed in a higher state of consciousness, wanting to know how such a person would speak, sit, and walk, essentially how they would conduct themselves in everyday life.

2.55

श्रीभगवानुवाच | प्रजहाति यदा कामान्सर्वान्पार्थ मनोगतान् | आत्मन्येवात्मना तुष्टः स्थितप्रज्ञस्तदोच्यते ||२-५५||

śrībhagavānuvāca . prajahāti yadā kāmānsarvānpārtha manogatān . ātmanyevātmanā tuṣṭaḥ sthitaprajñastadocyate ||2-55||

When Arjuna, a person lets go of all their mental desires and finds contentment within themselves, they're considered to be firmly established in wisdom, at peace with who they are. This happens when they're no longer driven by external cravings, but instead are satisfied from within. At this point, they've reached a profound state of inner stability.

2.56

दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः | वीतरागभयक्रोधः स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते ||२-५६||

duḥkheṣvanudvignamanāḥ sukheṣu vigataspṛhaḥ . vītarāgabhayakrodhaḥ sthitadhīrmunirucyate ||2-56||

A person is considered a wise and steadfast sage when they remain calm and unmoved by life's challenges, don't crave pleasures, and are free from attachment, fear, and anger, having achieved a state of inner peace and stability.

2.57

यः सर्वत्रानभिस्नेहस्तत्तत्प्राप्य शुभाशुभम् | नाभिनन्दति न द्वेष्टि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ||२-५७||

yaḥ sarvatrānabhisnehastattatprāpya śubhāśubham . nābhinandati na dveṣṭi tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā ||2-57||

When someone remains unattached to everything, they don't get excited or upset whether things go well or poorly, and their understanding becomes stable and grounded. They're able to accept whatever happens, good or bad, without reacting emotionally. This is a sign that their wisdom has become firmly established.

2.58

यदा संहरते चायं कूर्मोऽङ्गानीव सर्वशः | इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ||२-५८||

yadā saṃharate cāyaṃ kūrmo.aṅgānīva sarvaśaḥ . indriyāṇīndriyārthebhyastasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā ||2-58||

When someone pulls their senses back from the things that stimulate them, just as a tortoise pulls its limbs into its shell, they become grounded and their understanding becomes clear. This is a sign of a mind that is firmly established in wisdom.

2.59

विषया विनिवर्तन्ते निराहारस्य देहिनः | रसवर्जं रसोऽप्यस्य परं दृष्ट्वा निवर्तते ||२-५९||

viṣayā vinivartante nirāhārasya dehinaḥ . rasavarjaṃ raso.apyasya paraṃ dṛṣṭvā nivartate ||2-59||

When someone stops chasing after worldly pleasures, they start to lose their appeal, and even the desire for them fades away once that person catches a glimpse of something greater. The attractions of the senses no longer have a hold on the person who has experienced a higher reality.

2.60

यततो ह्यपि कौन्तेय पुरुषस्य विपश्चितः | इन्द्रियाणि प्रमाथीनि हरन्ति प्रसभं मनः ||२-६०||

yatato hyapi kaunteya puruṣasya vipaścitaḥ . indriyāṇi pramāthīni haranti prasabhaṃ manaḥ ||2-60||

Even a wise person like you, Arjuna, can find their mind being forcibly swept away by their unruly senses, no matter how hard they try to control them. The senses can be overwhelming, grabbing hold of the mind by force, despite one's best efforts to restrain them. This inner struggle is a powerful reminder of the senses' ability to dominate the mind.

2.61

तानि सर्वाणि संयम्य युक्त आसीत मत्परः | वशे हि यस्येन्द्रियाणि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ||२-६१||

tāni sarvāṇi saṃyamya yukta āsīta matparaḥ . vaśe hi yasyendriyāṇi tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā ||2-61||

By controlling his senses, one can focus on me with a steady mind, and when the senses are truly under control, a person's wisdom becomes firmly established.

2.62 · Watching the mind

ध्यायतो विषयान्पुंसः सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते | सङ्गात्सञ्जायते कामः कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते ||२-६२||

dhyāyato viṣayānpuṃsaḥ saṅgasteṣūpajāyate . saṅgātsañjāyate kāmaḥ kāmātkrodho.abhijāyate ||2-62||

Dwelling on the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment; from attachment springs desire, and from desire arises anger.

2.63

क्रोधाद्भवति सम्मोहः सम्मोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रमः | स्मृतिभ्रंशाद् बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति ||२-६३||

krodhādbhavati sammohaḥ sammohātsmṛtivibhramaḥ . smṛtibhraṃśād buddhināśo buddhināśātpraṇaśyati ||2-63||

Anger leads to confusion, which causes memory loss, and when memory fails, judgment is destroyed, ultimately leading to downfall.

2.64

रागद्वेषविमुक्तैस्तु विषयानिन्द्रियैश्चरन् | (or वियुक्तैस्तु) आत्मवश्यैर्विधेयात्मा प्रसादमधिगच्छति ||२-६४||

rāgadveṣavimuktaistu viṣayānindriyaiścaran . orviyuktaistu ātmavaśyairvidheyātmā prasādamadhigacchati ||2-64||

A person who remains in control, navigating life's experiences with their senses in check and without being swayed by likes and dislikes, achieves a state of inner peace and tranquility.

2.65

प्रसादे सर्वदुःखानां हानिरस्योपजायते | प्रसन्नचेतसो ह्याशु बुद्धिः पर्यवतिष्ठते ||२-६५||

prasāde sarvaduḥkhānāṃ hānirasyopajāyate . prasannacetaso hyāśu buddhiḥ paryavatiṣṭhate ||2-65||

When you're at peace, all your suffering fades away, and with a clear mind, your understanding and judgment become stable and reliable.

2.66

नास्ति बुद्धिरयुक्तस्य न चायुक्तस्य भावना | न चाभावयतः शान्तिरशान्तस्य कुतः सुखम् ||२-६६||

nāsti buddhirayuktasya na cāyuktasya bhāvanā . na cābhāvayataḥ śāntiraśāntasya kutaḥ sukham ||2-66||

For those who can't focus, self-awareness is out of reach, and without focus, meditation isn't possible. When meditation is missing, peace is elusive, and without peace, happiness is unattainable.

2.67

इन्द्रियाणां हि चरतां यन्मनोऽनुविधीयते | तदस्य हरति प्रज्ञां वायुर्नावमिवाम्भसि ||२-६७||

indriyāṇāṃ hi caratāṃ yanmano.anuvidhīyate . tadasya harati prajñāṃ vāyurnāvamivāmbhasi ||2-67||

When our senses wander, the mind follows, and this can sweep away our discernment, just like a strong wind can blow a boat off course on the water, leaving it at the mercy of the currents.

2.68

तस्माद्यस्य महाबाहो निगृहीतानि सर्वशः | इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ||२-६८||

tasmādyasya mahābāho nigṛhītāni sarvaśaḥ . indriyāṇīndriyārthebhyastasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā ||2-68||

So, Arjuna, when someone has their senses fully under control and no longer controlled by their desires, that's when their wisdom is firmly established.

2.69

या निशा सर्वभूतानां तस्यां जागर्ति संयमी | यस्यां जाग्रति भूतानि सा निशा पश्यतो मुनेः ||२-६९||

yā niśā sarvabhūtānāṃ tasyāṃ jāgarti saṃyamī . yasyāṃ jāgrati bhūtāni sā niśā paśyato muneḥ ||2-69||

What is nighttime for all living things is when the self-disciplined person is fully awake and alert, while the time when everyone else is awake and active is a kind of darkness to the wise and discerning sage.

2.70

आपूर्यमाणमचलप्रतिष्ठं समुद्रमापः प्रविशन्ति यद्वत् | तद्वत्कामा यं प्रविशन्ति सर्वे स शान्तिमाप्नोति न कामकामी ||२-७०||

āpūryamāṇamacalapratiṣṭhaṃ samudramāpaḥ praviśanti yadvat . tadvatkāmā yaṃ praviśanti sarve sa śāntimāpnoti na kāmakāmī ||2-70||

A person who remains calm and unchanged, like the ocean when rivers flow into it, achieves inner peace when all their desires flow into them, whereas someone driven by their desires doesn't find peace. The ocean's water level may rise, but it remains steady, and similarly, this individual stays serene, unaffected by the constant flow of desires. This peaceful state is not attained by those who are controlled by their cravings.

2.71

विहाय कामान्यः सर्वान्पुमांश्चरति निःस्पृहः | निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः स शान्तिमधिगच्छति ||२-७१||

vihāya kāmānyaḥ sarvānpumāṃścarati niḥspṛhaḥ . nirmamo nirahaṅkāraḥ sa śāntimadhigacchati ||2-71||

A person who lets go of all desires and moves through life without attachment or a sense of ownership, and is also free from ego, finds inner peace. They are able to live without being driven by their cravings, and this freedom brings them a deep sense of calm. By releasing their need to possess and their pride, they are able to live in peace.

2.72

एषा ब्राह्मी स्थितिः पार्थ नैनां प्राप्य विमुह्यति | स्थित्वास्यामन्तकालेऽपि ब्रह्मनिर्वाणमृच्छति ||२-७२||

eṣā brāhmī sthitiḥ pārtha naināṃ prāpya vimuhyati . sthitvāsyāmantakāle.api brahmanirvāṇamṛcchati ||2-72||

This is the state of being fully connected to the divine, Arjuna, and once you reach it, you'll never lose your way. When you're grounded in this state, even at the moment of death, you'll remain steadfast and merge with the ultimate reality, achieving liberation.