Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 70

English Translation

That man attains peace into whom all desires enter in the same way as the waters flow into a sea that remains unchanged (even) when being filled up from all sides. Not so one who is desirous of objects.

Detailed Commentary

**2.70** **Explanation:** 'As waters enter the ocean, which is full on all sides and remains unmoved' – During the rainy season, the water in rivers and streams increases, and many rivers flood; but when that water merges into the ocean, which is full from all sides, the ocean remains within its bounds, it does not swell. Even when the water in rivers decreases during summer, the ocean does not recede. The meaning is that the ocean is not affected by more or less water coming from rivers and streams, or by no water coming at all, or by the absorption of water by fire and sun; it remains complete, staying within its bounds. 'Similarly, he into whom all desires enter, he attains peace' – In the same way, the person who knows Paramātmā, all the enjoyments of the world come before him, but they cannot create changes of pleasure or pain in his body and mind. Therefore, he attains supreme peace (paramashanti). His peace arises from Paramātmā, not from material enjoyments (bhoga-padārthas). The example of the ocean and rivers given here does not fully apply to the self-controlled person (sanyami manushya). This is because there is uniformity in the water of the ocean and rivers, but the difference between a Sthitaprajña (person of steady wisdom) and worldly sense-objects is that the element in which the Sthitaprajña is established is conscious (chetan), eternal (nitya), true (satya), boundless (aseem), infinite (anant), whereas sense-objects are inert (jaḍ), impermanent (anityā), unreal (asat), limited (seemit), and perishable. Another difference is that the water of rivers reaches the ocean, but worldly sense-objects do not reach the element in which the Sthitaprajña is established; they only reach his body and mind. Therefore, the example of the ocean is given only to describe the state of his body and mind. There is no analogy that can describe his true nature (vāstavik svarūp). 'Not one who desires desires' (Na kāmakāmī) – Those whose minds are filled with desires for sense-objects (bhoga-padārthas) give importance only to objects; they cannot find contentment (tripti); their desires, burning sensations (jalan), and suffering (santāpa) cannot be extinguished; therefore, how can they attain peace (shanti)? Because the conscious Self (chetan svarūp) cannot be satisfied by inert objects (jaḍ padārthas). **Relation (Sambandha):** Now, in the following verse, the conclusion to the question 'How does a Sthitaprajña conduct himself?' will be summarized.