Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 69

English Translation

The self-restrained man keeps awake during that which is night for all creatures. That during which creatures keep awake, it is night to the seeing sage.

Detailed Commentary

।।2.69।। Interpretation: 'Yā niśā sarvabhūtānām' – those whose senses and mind are not in control and who are attached to enjoyments, all of them are in ignorance concerning the Paramātmā. They do not understand what the Paramātmā is, what tattvajñāna is, why we suffer, why there is affliction, and what the outcome of our actions will be. For them, due to their ignorance, all these matters are like night; there is darkness within them. The term 'bhūtānām' here implies that just as animals and birds are engaged all day in eating and drinking, similarly, those humans who are engrossed day and night in eating, drinking, comfort, enjoyments, accumulation, and earning wealth, are also like animals and birds. There is no difference between animals, birds, and humans in their aversion to the Paramātmā. Yes, the only difference is that the power of discrimination (viveka-śakti) is not awakened in animals and birds, so they remain limited to eating and drinking, whereas humans, by the grace of Bhagavān, possess viveka-śakti. Through this, they can achieve their own welfare and that of other beings, and attain the Paramātmā. But by misusing this viveka-śakti, they become engrossed in the accumulation and enjoyment of material objects. 'Tasyāṁ jāgarti saṁyamī' – in the ignorance where ordinary people sleep, the saṁyamī (self-controlled person) remains awake and thoughtful. Those who have controlled their senses and mind, who are not entangled in enjoyment and accumulation, have only the Paramātmā as their goal. Their life is devoted to understanding true self-knowledge and the reality of the world. 'Yasyāṁ jāgrati bhūtāni' – those who are particularly vigilant in enjoyments and accumulation, they are frantic for worldly gain. Among them, those who delight in acquiring material objects and will do anything for self-interest, this is akin to their being awake. 'Sā niśā paśyato muneḥ' – what people seek as joy and gain in worldly things, appears as darkness in the eyes of a jñānī (wise person) and a saṁyamī. For example, children play with stones and glass pieces and consider them to be great treasures; similarly are those humans who are engaged in strife for enjoyments and gains. But a jñānī sees what is the real benefit even if enjoyments are obtained. A person with spiritual knowledge understands that these material things have no permanent significance. They make good use of clothes and dedicate them to the service of others. Just as due to a defect in the eyes, one sees webs in the sky, but a discerning person knows that they are not real. Similarly, even while observing the world, the jñānī knows that in reality, it is merely an illusion. Connection: For the saṁyamī, the world is like the darkness of ignorance. The question is, does such a person distance themselves from worldly matters? No, they remain engaged in devoted service and the knowledge of the Paramātmā. Their life is disciplined and purposeful. This will be discussed in the subsequent verse.