Bhagavad Gita · Verse 2.48
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga (सांख्ययोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय । सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते ॥४८॥
yogasthaḥ kuru karmāṇi saṅgaṃ tyaktvā dhanañjaya | siddhyasiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā samatvaṃ yoga ucyate ||48||
Complete Shloka Translation
Established in yoga, perform actions, Dhananjaya, abandoning attachment and remaining equal in success and failure. Such equanimity is called yoga.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| योगस्थः | yoga-sthaḥ | established in Yoga / equanimity |
| कुरु | kuru | perform / execute |
| कर्माणि | karmāṇi | actions / duties |
| सङ्गम् | saṅgam | attachment |
| त्यक्त्वा | tyaktvā | having abandoned |
| धनञ्जय | dhanañjaya | O conqueror of wealth (Arjuna) |
| सिद्धि-असिद्ध्योः | siddhi-asiddhyoḥ | in success and failure |
| समः भूत्वा | samaḥ bhūtvā | becoming equal-minded |
| समत्वम् | samatvam | equanimity / evenness of mind |
| योगः उच्यते | yogaḥ ucyate | is called Yoga |
established in Yoga / equanimity
perform / execute
actions / duties
attachment
having abandoned
O conqueror of wealth (Arjuna)
in success and failure
becoming equal-minded
equanimity / evenness of mind
is called Yoga
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna defines yoga here through balanced engagement. Success and failure still differ practically, but neither should wholly determine the actor's inner steadiness.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Equanimity is practiced during action, not only when withdrawing from it."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How could you stay engaged without making success the measure of your worth?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse when facing identity crisis or fear of failure: distinguish the unchanging inner self from transient life situations, and act with full dedication without anxiety over the final outcome.