Bhagavad Gita · Verse 2.55
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga (सांख्ययोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
प्रजहाति यदा कामान्सर्वान्पार्थ मनोगतान् । आत्मन्येवात्मना तुष्टः स्थितप्रज्ञस्तदोच्यते ॥५५॥
prajahāti yadā kāmānsarvānpārtha manogatān | ātmanyevātmanā tuṣṭaḥ sthitaprajñastadocyate ||55||
Complete Shloka Translation
The Lord said: When a person abandons all desires arising in the mind, Partha, and is content in the self through the self, that person is called one of steady wisdom.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| प्रजहाति | prajahāti | renounces / casts off completely |
| यदा | yadā | when |
| कामान् | kāmān | sensory desires / cravings |
| सर्वान् | sarvān | all |
| पार्थ | pārtha | O Partha |
| मनोगतान् | manogatān | dwelling in the mind |
| आत्मनि एव | ātmani eva | in the Self alone |
| आत्मना | ātmanā | by the purified Self |
| तुष्टः | tuṣṭaḥ | satisfied / contented |
| स्थितप्रज्ञः | sthita-prajñaḥ | person of steadfast wisdom |
| तदा | tadā | then |
| उच्यते | ucyate | is said to be |
renounces / casts off completely
when
sensory desires / cravings
all
O Partha
dwelling in the mind
in the Self alone
by the purified Self
satisfied / contented
person of steadfast wisdom
then
is said to be
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna begins with the source of contentment before describing outward conduct. The ideal concerns release from binding desires, rather than a claim about having no practical needs.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Steady wisdom is grounded in contentment that does not depend on satisfying cravings."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What contentment is available without first satisfying another craving?
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.