Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5, Verse 23

English Translation

One who can withstand here itself-before departing from the body-the impulse arising from desire and anger, that man is a yogi; he is happy.

Detailed Commentary

Commentary: 'Shaknotihaiva yah... Kama-Krodhodbhavam Vegam' – All beings have been endowed with a special discerning wisdom (Vivek). This Vivek remains veiled in animals and birds, as they possess discernment primarily for sustenance. In the celestial realms (deva-yonis), this Vivek remains hidden due to enjoyment of pleasures (bhoga). Even in the human realm (manushya-yoni), Vivek remains obscured by sensual enjoyment (bhoga) and accumulation of possessions. Despite Vivek being veiled, it continues to reveal to humanity the sorrows and faults associated with enjoyment and accumulation. Therefore, one should give importance to Vivek and make it permanent, so that one can eradicate afflictions like attachment-aversion (Raga-Dvesha) and desire-anger (Kama-Krodha). The Lord, by the word 'Iha' (here, in this very life), reminds humanity that it has received a rare opportunity wherein it can overcome Kama-Krodha and attain eternal happiness. The human body is bestowed for liberation, and it is capable of enduring Kama-Krodha. There is no certainty of death, hence one must first endure Kama-Krodha. This counsel must be remembered throughout life. Only a human can accomplish this task. Therefore, it should be completed while the body still exists. To endure Kama-Krodha means to prevent them from arising in the first place. As soon as a resolve (Sankalpa) arises, an impulse (vega) follows, making it difficult to control; therefore, it is proper to prevent the resolve itself from forming. For, as soon as the resolve for Kama-Krodha arises, the mind becomes disturbed. The word 'Sukhi' (happy) means that the person who endures the impulse (vega) of Kama-Krodha is happy. By the word 'Yuktah' (united, disciplined), such a person is called a Yogi. No one becomes a Yogi without renouncing resolves (Sankalpas). Therefore, while restraining the impulse of Kama-Krodha is good, it is truly correct to prevent the resolve itself from arising. The means to prevent the resolve for Kama-Krodha is not to identify with them as belonging to oneself. We are aligned with the eternal (time), and Kama-Krodha are transient; therefore, they will not remain with us. It is stated in the Gita that it is possible to separate oneself from Kama-Krodha. The Lord has described them as aberrations (vikara) of Prakriti (nature), and they do not belong to us. Their origin is not within our true Self. 'Sa Yuktah Narah' (That disciplined human) – Those whose knowledge is veiled by ignorance have been called 'Jantu' (creatures) by the Lord. The one who endures Kama-Krodha is called 'Narah' (a human being), meaning that only one who is not subservient to Kama-Krodha is a true human. Only a person who gives importance to Vivek remains steadfast. 'Sa Sukhi' (That happy one) – Not just humans, even animals and birds cannot remain happy when subject to Kama-Krodha. The person who eradicates the resolve (Sankalpa) of Kama-Krodha is truly happy. When one comes under their sway, one becomes unhappy. One who seeks happiness from perishable objects can never be truly happy. Context: Having explained the futility of external pleasures, the Lord now describes the glory of inner joy.