Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 66

English Translation

For the unsteady there is no wisdom, and there is no meditation for the unsteady man. And for an unmeditative man there is no peace. How can there be happiness for one without peace?

Detailed Commentary

[This section discusses the subject of Karmayoga. In Karmayoga, controlling the mind and senses is paramount. Without discerning self-restraint, desires (kāmanā) do not cease. Without the cessation of desires, the intellect (buddhi) does not become stable. Therefore, a practitioner (sādhaka) of Karmayoga must first control the mind and senses. However, this śloka speaks of one whose mind and senses are not controlled.] 'Nāsti Buddhirayuktasya'-- For such an uncontrolled (asaṃyamī) person, whose mind and senses are not restrained, there is no resolute intellect (ekaniścayī buddhi) which aims solely at the attainment of the Supreme Self (Paramātman). The reason is that, due to uncontrolled mind and senses, such a person remains engaged in worldly enjoyments (bhoga) and accumulation. They desire honor at one time, comfort at another, wealth at yet another, and pleasures at still another—thus, numerous desires (kāmanā) arise within them. Hence, their intellect is not resolute (ekaniścayī). 'Na cāyuktasya bhāvanā'-- For one whose intellect is not resolute, the disposition (bhāvanā) of 'I must only fulfill my duty and renounce the desire for results, attachments (āsakti), etc.' does not arise. The reason for the absence of such a disposition is the lack of a stable goal (dhyeya). 'Na cābhāvayataḥ śāntiḥ'-- One who is not devoted to their duty cannot attain peace (śānti). For instance, if a sādhu, teacher, Brāhmaṇa, Kṣatriya, Vaiśya, Śūdra, etc., are not diligent in their respective duties, they do not find peace. This is because a lack of steadfastness in performing one's duty gives rise to restlessness (aśānti). 'Aśāntasya kutaḥ sukham'-- How can one who is restless (aśānta) be happy (sukhī)? Because there is constant turmoil in their heart. Even if they obtain many favorable enjoyments (bhoga) and comforts externally, the agitation in their heart cannot subside; meaning, they cannot be happy. Connection-- The reason why an uncontrolled person's intellect is not resolute will be explained in the next śloka.