Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 56

English Translation

One whose mind is undisturbed by sorrow, who does not crave pleasure, who is free from attachment, fear, and anger — such a person is called a sage of steady wisdom.

Detailed Commentary

।।2.56।। Commentary – Arjuna had inquired how a Sthitaprajña speaks. The Lord responds, prioritizing inner disposition (bhāva), because it is the essence of action (kriyā). Even if the outward action appears the same, a change in bhāva alters the action itself. The Lord here speaks of this bhāva. 'Duḥkheṣvanudvignamanāḥ' – One whose mind remains undisturbed even amidst the possibility and actual experience of suffering (duḥkha). When performing one’s duty (kartavya-karma), despite encountering obstacles, blame, insult, or unfavorable outcomes, their mind remains free from agitation (udvega). The reason for a Karmayogi’s mind being free from agitation is that they act for the welfare of others and hold no attachment (āsakti) or possessiveness (mamatā) towards the fruits of their actions. Therefore, their mind remains joyful, and even in adversity, they are not agitated. 'Sukheṣu vigataspṛhaḥ' – One who has no yearning (spṛhā) even amidst the possibility and actual experience of happiness (sukha). In favorable circumstances, there is no longing like 'may this situation persist'. Favorable conditions have no effect on them. 'Vītarāgabhayakrodhaḥ' – Attachment (rāga) arises towards worldly objects. If there is rāga for objects, then fear (bhaya) arises if a powerful person obstructs them, and anger (krodha) arises if the person is weak. But in one who possesses the intent to bring happiness to others, rāga dissipates. With the cessation of rāga, bhaya and krodha also cease to exist, and they become free from rāga, bhaya, and krodha. As long as agitation (udvega), yearning (spṛhā), attachment (rāga), fear (bhaya), and anger (krodha) exist, one is a sādhaka (seeker). Upon being freed from these, one becomes a siddha (accomplished one). Vāsanā, kāmanā, etc., are all forms of rāga. Due to varying degrees of vāsanā, it takes on different names; for instance, hidden rāga is 'vāsanā'. Other names for vāsanā are 'āsakti' and 'priyatā' (fondness). The desire for an object to be attained is 'kāmanā'. The possibility of a kāmanā being fulfilled is 'āśā' (hope). The desire for material increase is 'lobha' (greed). An excess of lobha is 'tṛṣṇā' (craving). 'Sthitadhīrmunirucyate' – The intellect (buddhi) of such a contemplative Karmayogi becomes stable (sthita). The term 'Muni' typically applies to speech, yet the Lord used 'Muni' in response to 'Kiṁ prabhāṣeta' (how does he speak?). In the seventeenth chapter, the Lord used the term 'mauna' (silence) in the context of mental austerity (mānasika tapa), not verbal austerity (vāṇī tapa) (17.16). The contemplative Karmayogi is referred to as a Muni. This contemplativeness is the contemplation of carefulness, so that no kāmanā or āsakti may enter the mind. Continuous non-attachment is the vigilance of the accomplished Karmayogi; this was their vigilance in the sādhaka-state earlier (Gītā 3.19), and it is through this that they attained the supreme tattva (Principle).