Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga
Lord Krishna · Ancient · from the Sanskrit original
Original
सञ्जय उवाच ।तं तथा कृपयाविष्टमश्रुपूर्णाकुलेक्षणम् ।विषीदन्तमिदं वाक्यमुवाच मधुसूदनः ॥ १ ॥
Translation
Sanjaya said -Krishna then spoke these words to Arjuna, who was overcome with self-pity & despondency - whose mind agitated & tears in both eyes
Original
श्रीभगवानुवाच ।कुतस्त्वा कश्मलमिदं विषमे समुपस्थितम् ।अनार्यजुष्टमस्वर्ग्यमकीर्तिकरमर्जुन ॥ २ ॥
Translation
Shri Bhagavan said -O’ Arjuna, from where has this despondency & dejection come on you - in this hour of crisis - such non-Aryan & hell-bent behaviour?
Original
क्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः पार्थ नैतत् त्वय्युपपद्यते ।क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप ॥ ३ ॥
Translation
O’ Partha, do not display such impotence! It does not befit you. Abandon this petty weakness of your heart & stand up, O’ Parantapa
Original
अर्जुन उवाच ।कथं भीष्ममहं सङ्ख्ये द्रोणं च मधुसूदन ।इषुभिः प्रतियोत्स्यामि पूजार्हावरिसूदन ॥ ४ ॥
Translation
Arjuna said -O’ Madhusudana, how shall I shoot arrows on Bhishma & Dronacharya in this battle? They, who are fit to be worshipped, O’ Arisudana
Original
गुरूनहत्वा हि महानुभावान् श्रेयो भोक्तुं भैक्ष्यमपीह लोके ।हत्वार्थकामांस्तु गुरूनिहैव भुञ्जीय भोगान् रुधिरप्रदिग्धान् ॥ ५ ॥
Translation
It is better to eat bread got by alms than to kill the noble teachers. If I kill them, all my enjoyment of wealth will be blood-stained
Original
न चैतद्विद्मः कतरन्नो गरीयो यद्वा जयेम यदि वा नो जयेयुः ।यानेव हत्वा न जिजीविषामस्तेऽवस्थिताः प्रमुखे धार्तराष्ट्राः ॥ ६ ॥
Translation
I do not know what is better - we kill them or they kill us! The Kauravas, after killing whom, I do not wish to live, stand in front of us
Original
कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेताः ।यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम् ॥ ७ ॥
Translation
My heart is filled with pity. My mind is confused. I am your disciple; I have taken refuge in you - tell me what the right path for me is
Original
न हि प्रपश्यामि ममापनुद्यात् यच्छोकमुच्छोषणमिन्द्रियाणाम् ।अवाप्य भूमावसपत्नमृद्धं राज्यं सुराणामपि चाधिपत्यम् ॥ ८ ॥
Translation
The grief killing my senses is so powerful that even if I attain prosperity or become the King of Earth or Heaven, it cannot be removed
Original
सञ्जय उवाच ।एवमुक्त्वा हृषीकेशं गुडाकेशः परन्तप ।न योत्स्य इति गोविन्दमुक्त्वा तूष्णीं बभूव ह ॥ ९ ॥
Translation
Sanjaya said -After speaking thus to Hrishikesha, Gudakesha who is aka Parantapa decisively told “O’ Govinda, I’ll not fight” & became silent
Original
तमुवाच हृषीकेशः प्रहसन्निव भारत ।सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये विषीदन्तमिदं वचः ॥ १० ॥
Translation
Hearing this, Hrishikesha smiled & with a very calm demeanour spoke these words to Arjuna, sitting despondent amidst the armies
Original
श्रीभगवानुवाच ।अशोच्यानन्वशोचस्त्वं प्रज्ञावादांश्च भाषसे ।गतासूनगतासूंश्च नानुशोचन्ति पण्डिताः ॥ ११ ॥
Translation
Shri Bhagavan said -You have grieved for those who do not deserve it. Yet you speak wise words. However, the wise do not grieve either for living or dead
Original
न त्वेवाहं जातु नासं न त्वं नेमे जनाधिपाः ।न चैव न भविष्यामः सर्वे वयमतः परम् ॥ १२ ॥
Translation
There has been no moment in past where I, you or any of the kings here did not exist; nor will there be a future where we will cease to be
Original
देहिनोऽस्मिन् यथा देहे कौमारं यौवनं जरा ।तथा देहान्तरप्राप्तिर्धीरस्तत्र न मुह्यति ॥ १३ ॥
Translation
Our soul passes through childhood, youth & old age - similarly it transits into another body too. Wise men do not grieve over this.
Original
मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः ।आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत ॥ १४ ॥
Translation
When our senses come in contact with bodies, they perceive hot & cold - pleasure & pain. Temporary experiences; face them bravely
Original
यं हि न व्यथयन्त्येते पुरुषं पुरुषर्षभ ।समदुःखसुखं धीरं सोऽमृतत्वाय कल्पते ॥ १५ ॥
Translation
O’ Purusharbha, he who is not afflicted by these experiences - he who faces pleasure or pain equanimously - he is fit to be immortal
Original
नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः ।उभयोरपि दृष्टोऽन्तस्त्वनयोस्तत्त्वदर्शिभिः ॥ १६ ॥
Translation
The Untruth has no existence; there is no non-existence of Truth - the Seekers have well understood the reality of these concepts
Original
अविनाशि तु तद्विद्धि येन सर्वमिदं ततम् ।विनाशमव्ययस्यास्य न कश्चित् कर्तुमर्हति ॥ १७ ॥
Translation
O’ Arjuna, one in whom all these concepts is pervaded becomes Imperishable. And no one is capable of destroying the Imperishable
Original
अन्तवन्त इमे देहा नित्यस्योक्ताः शरीरिणः ।अनाशिनोऽप्रमेयस्य तस्माद्युध्यस्व भारत ॥ १८ ॥
Translation
O’ Bhaarata, it is the Soul which is Eternal & Indestructible - the body in which it lives is perishable - so, don’t hesitate & fight
Original
य एनं वेत्ति हन्तारं यश्चैनं मन्यते हतम् ।उभौ तौ न विजानीतो नायं हन्ति न हन्यते ॥ १९ ॥
Translation
He who thinks himself to be the killer & he who thinks of himself to be the killed one - both are ignorant. He slays not; nor is he slain
Original
न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचिन्नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः ।अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणोन हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे ॥ २० ॥
Translation
The soul is eternal - it is not of past; it is not of present, nor is it in future - it doesn’t take birth nor dies even when its body dies
Original
वेदाविनाशिनं नित्यं य एनमजमव्ययम् ।कथं स पुरुषः पार्थ कं घातयति हन्ति कम् ॥ २१ ॥
Translation
One who knows the Soul to be Eternal, Indestructible and Inexhaustible; how can he kill anyone or be killed?
Original
वासांसि जीर्णानि यथा विहाय नवानि गृह्णाति नरोऽपराणि।तथा शरीराणि विहाय जीर्णा-न्यन्यानि संयाति नवानि देही॥२२॥
Translation
Just as a person casts off old clothes & wears new ones, the Soul discards worn out bodies & enters new ones
Original
नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावकः।न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुतः॥२३॥
Translation
Weapons cannot cut the Soul, fire cannot burn it, water cannot wet it & wind cannot dry it - it is eternal - no force can cause any harm
Original
अच्छेद्योऽयमदाह्योऽयमक्लेद्योऽशोष्य एव च।नित्यः सर्वगतः स्थाणुरचलोऽयं सनातनः ॥२४॥
Translation
The Soul is indestructible - can neither be wetted, burnt or dried. It is omnipresent, omnipotent, immovable, eternal & ancient
Original
अव्यक्तोऽयमचिन्त्योऽयमविकार्योऽयमुच्यते।तस्मादेवं विदित्वैनं नानुशोचितुमर्हसि ॥२५॥
Translation
The Soul is said to be invisible, inconceivable & unchangeable. With this knowledge, you should not mourn for the loss of the body
Original
अथ चैनं नित्यजातं नित्यं वा मन्यसे मृतम् ।तथापि त्वं महाबाहो नैनं शोचितुमर्हसि ॥२६॥
Translation
Even if you think the Soul to be in a never-ending cycle of birth & death, even then, O’ Mahabaahu, there is no reason for you to mourn
Original
जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्युर्ध्रुवं जन्म मृतस्य च।तस्मादपरिहार्येऽर्थे न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि ॥२७॥
Translation
That which is born must necessarily die; that which dies must be born again. This is inevitable; you must not grieve over this fact
Original
अव्यक्तादीनि भूतानि व्यक्तमध्यानि भारत ।अव्यक्तनिधनान्येव तत्र का परिदेवना ॥२८॥
Translation
All beings are in an unmanifested state in the beginning, manifest in the middle & are unmanifested at the end - so why grieve at all
Original
आश्चर्यवत्पश्यति कश्चिदेनमाश्चर्यवद्वदति तथैव चान्यः।आश्चर्यवच्चैनमन्यः शृणोति श्रुत्वाप्येनं वेद न चैव कश्चित्॥ २९॥
Translation
Some people see the Soul as amazing, some speak of it as amazing, some hear about this as amazing - yet, no one truly understands it
Original
देही नित्यमवध्योऽयं देहे सर्वस्य भारत ।तस्मात्सर्वाणि भूतानि न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि ॥३०॥
Translation
O’ Bharata, the body can be slain; but the soul residing inside is indestructible. So, you should not mourn for the death of anyone
Original
स्वधर्ममपि चावेक्ष्य न विकम्पितुमर्हसि ।धर्म्याद्धि युद्धाच्छ्रेयोऽन्यत्क्षत्रियस्य न विद्यते ॥३१॥
Translation
As a warrior, fighting a righteous war is your prime duty. You should never waver; for there is no other higher duty for a Kshatriya
Original
यदृच्छया चोपपन्नं स्वर्गद्वारमपावृतम्।सुखिनः क्षत्रियाः पार्थ लभन्ते युद्धमीदृशम् ॥३२॥
Translation
O’ Partha, the Kshatriyas are so fortunate that they are called up to fight in such wars - it is like the doors to heaven are opened up
Original
अथ चेत्त्वमिमं धर्म्यं सङ्ग्रामं न करिष्यसि।ततः स्वधर्मं कीर्तिं च हित्वा पापमवाप्स्यसि ॥३३॥
Translation
However, if you run away from this righteous war & do not fight, then you will surely incur sin as you would have abandoned your duty
Original
अकीर्तिं चापि भूतानि कथयिष्यन्ति तेऽव्ययाम्।सम्भावितस्य चाकीर्तिर्मरणादतिरिच्यते ॥३४॥
Translation
And then people will talk about this disgrace endlessly - for an accomplished Kshatriya, this dishonour is worse than even death
Original
भयाद्रणादुपरतं मंस्यन्ते त्वां महारथाः।येषां च त्वं बहुमतो भूत्वा यास्यसि लाघवम् ॥३५॥
Translation
Even the great warriors will think that you have withdrawn out of fear. They, who once respected you, will find you insignificant
Original
अवाच्यवादांश्च बहून्वदिष्यन्ति तवाहिताः।निन्दन्तस्तव सामर्थ्यं ततो दुःखतरं नु किम् ॥३६॥
Translation
Your enemies will criticise you & speak very insignificantly - mocking your prowess. Could anything ever be more painful to you?
Original
हतो वा प्राप्स्यसि स्वर्गं जित्वा वा भोक्ष्यसे महीम्।तस्मादुत्तिष्ठ कौन्तेय युद्धाय कृतनिश्चयः ॥३७॥
Translation
O’ Kaunteya, if you are slain in battle, you will attain heaven; if you win, you will rule the earth. So, rise - be determined & fight
Original
सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ।ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि ॥३८॥
Translation
Do battle for the sake of battle; treat pleasure & pain, gain & loss, victory & defeat with equanimity - then, you will not incur sin
Original
एषा तेऽभिहिता सांख्ये बुद्धिर्योगे त्विमां शृणु।बुद्धया युक्तो यया पार्थ कर्मबन्धं प्रहास्यसि ॥३९॥
Translation
So far, I have given you wisdom through analysis - now, hear about action through detachment - this will free you from Karmic bonds
Original
नेहाभिक्रमनाशोऽस्ति प्रत्यवायो न विद्यते।स्वल्पमप्यस्य धर्मस्य त्रायते महतो भयात् ॥४०॥
Translation
In the path of Yoga of detached action, there is neither any loss nor harm caused by effort or effect. It only helps to overcome fear
Original
व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धिरेकेह कुरुनन्दन ।बहुशाखा ह्यनन्ताश्च बुद्धयोऽव्यवसायिनाम् ॥४१॥
Translation
Focussed is the mind of people following this Yoga - resolute & laser sharp. The mind of others wander - irresolute & many branched
Original
यामिमां पुष्पितां वाचं प्रवदन्त्यविपश्चितः ।वेदवादरता: पार्थ नान्यदस्तीति वादिनः ॥४२॥
Translation
O’ Partha, the unwise take refuge in superficial wordplay of Vedas - its rituals, ceremonies & then claim there is nothing beyond
Original
कामात्मानः स्वर्गपरा जन्मकर्मफलप्रदाम् ।क्रियाविशेषबहुलां भोगैश्वर्यगतिं प्रति ॥४३॥
Translation
Their aim is materialistic pleasure of all senses - they desire heaven, say flowery words promising rebirth & opulence as reward
Original
भोगैश्वर्यप्रसक्तानां तयापहृतचेतसाम् ।व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धिः समाधौ न विधीयते ॥४४॥
Translation
People who pursue sensory gratification & enjoyment have minds that get drawn away - they are unfit for steady meditation & focus
Original
त्रैगुण्यविषया वेदा निस्त्रैगुण्यो भवार्जुन।निर्द्वन्द्वो नित्यसत्त्वस्थो निर्योगक्षेम आत्मवान्।।2.45।।
Translation
O’ Arjuna, rise above the Gunas described in the Vedas - without concern for any material gains, be in your Slef & focus on the Truth
Original
यावानर्थ उदपाने सर्वतः संप्लुतोदके।तावान्सर्वेषु वेदेषु ब्राह्मणस्य विजानतः।।2.46।।
Translation
The water in a well serves the same purpose as that in a lake. Similarly if you realise your true Self, you have imbibed all the Vedas
Original
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि।।2.47।।
Translation
Your right is only to perform your duties & not to its results - do not be attached to the end-result nor lead yourself to inactivity
Original
योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय। सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते।।2.48।।
Translation
O’ Dhananjaya, perform your duties unwaveringly. Do not be attached to either success or failure. This equanimity of mind is Yog
Original
दूरेण ह्यवरं कर्म बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय।बुद्धौ शरणमन्विच्छ कृपणाः फलहेतवः।।2.49।।
Translation
Action performed with real wisdom is Yog - superior to action performed solely to seek its fruits. So, O’ Arjuna, focus on true Yog
Original
बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते।तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्।।2.50।।
Translation
A Yogi who performs his actions without attachment is able to cast of reactions of good & bad deeds in this life itself. So, be a Yogi
Original
कर्मजं बुद्धियुक्ता हि फलं त्यक्त्वा मनीषिणः। जन्मबन्धविनिर्मुक्ताः पदं गच्छन्त्यनामयम्।।2.51।।
Translation
Attachment to the fruits of actions binds one to cycle of life & death. One who acts equanimously reaches a state beyond suffering
Original
यदा ते मोहकलिलं बुद्धिर्व्यतितरिष्यति।तदा गन्तासि निर्वेदं श्रोतव्यस्य श्रुतस्य च।।2.52।।
Translation
When your wisdom overcomes delusion, you will attain a state of mind of indifference as to what you have heard or what you will hear
Original
श्रुतिविप्रतिपन्ना ते यदा स्थास्यति निश्चला। समाधावचला बुद्धिस्तदा योगमवाप्स्यसि।।2.53।।
Translation
To attain state of Yog, you need to remain steadfast in your thoughts, even if your intellect is confused by what you may have heard
Original
अर्जुन उवाचस्थितप्रज्ञस्य का भाषा समाधिस्थस्य केशव।स्थितधीः किं प्रभाषेत किमासीत व्रजेत किम्।।2.54।।
Translation
Arjuna said -O’ Keshava, how would you describe someone who has acquired wisdom & attained a state of Samadhi? How do they sit? How do they walk?
Original
श्री भगवानुवाचप्रजहाति यदा कामान् सर्वान् पार्थ मनोगतान्। आत्मन्येवात्मना तुष्टः स्थितप्रज्ञस्तदोच्यते।।2.55।।
Translation
Shri Bhagavan said -O’ Partha, when a man renunsciates the desires & cravings of his mind & focuses on realisation of Self, then he has attained wisdom
Original
दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः। वीतरागभयक्रोधः स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते।।2.56।।
Translation
He, who is not disturbed in times of adversity nor is elated in times of pleasure - who does not show fear or anger - has attained wisdom
Original
यः सर्वत्रानभिस्नेहस्तत्तत्प्राप्य शुभाशुभम्।नाभिनन्दति न द्वेष्टि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता।।2.57।।
Translation
He, who remains unattached everywhere - who does not rejoice in good times or lament in bad ones - is the one who has attained wisdom
Original
यदा संहरते चायं कूर्मोऽङ्गानीव सर्वशः। इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता।।2.58।।
Translation
Like a tortoise who withdraws its limbs into its shell, the one who withdraws all senses from their objects has unwavering wisdom
Original
विषया विनिवर्तन्ते निराहारस्य देहिनः।रसवर्जं रसोऽप्यस्य परं दृष्ट्वा निवर्तते।।2.59।।
Translation
One may restrain senses from objects of pleasure; yet their longing remains. The longing leaves only upon seeing the Supreme One
Original
यततो ह्यपि कौन्तेय पुरुषस्य विपश्चितः।इन्द्रियाणि प्रमाथीनि हरन्ति प्रसभं मनः।।2.60।।
Translation
O’ Kaunteya, do not undermine the senses - so strong & turbulent - they can make even a wise man’s mind waver despite his best effort
Original
तानि सर्वाणि संयम्य युक्त आसीत मत्परः।वशे हि यस्येन्द्रियाणि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता।।2.61।।
Translation
Once his senses are controlled, once his wisdom is unwavering, he should then focus on Me - surrender in Me - with intent & devotion
Original
ध्यायतो विषयान्पुंसः सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते।सङ्गात् संजायते कामः कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते।।2.62।।
Translation
When man thinks of objects that stimulate his senses, he develops attachment on them - which leads to desire & thereby anger in him
Original
क्रोधाद्भवति संमोहः संमोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रमः।स्मृतिभ्रंशाद् बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति।।2.63।।
Translation
Anger leads to clouding of his judgement which in turn causes loss of memory thereby losing his intellect - then his life is ruined
Original
रागद्वेषवियुक्तैस्तु विषयानिन्द्रियैश्चरन्। आत्मवश्यैर्विधेयात्मा प्रसादमधिगच्छति।।2.64।।
Translation
However a man, who is free from emotions of attraction & repulsion as well as from their objects - senses in control - lives in peace
Original
प्रसादे सर्वदुःखानां हानिरस्योपजायते।प्रसन्नचेतसो ह्याशु बुद्धिः पर्यवतिष्ठते।।2.65।।
Translation
In this peaceful state, all pains & sorrows get destroyed - leading to a sense of tranquility where the mind is steady & unwavering
Original
नास्ति बुद्धिरयुक्तस्य न चायुक्तस्य भावना।न चाभावयतः शान्तिरशान्तस्य कुतः सुखम्।।2.66।।
Translation
An unsteady mind can neither absorb knowledge nor can it stay in a meditative state - how can it then find peace - how can it be happy?
Original
इन्द्रियाणां हि चरतां यन्मनोऽनुविधीयते।तदस्य हरति प्रज्ञां वायुर्नावमिवाम्भसि।।2.67।।
Translation
A wavering mind makes one lose his intellect & his ability of judgement - gets carried away like how wind pushes a boat on the waters
Original
तस्माद्यस्य महाबाहो निगृहीतानि सर्वशः। इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता।।2.68।।
Translation
Therefore, O’ Mahabaho, only the one who has his senses fully under control from their objects, has knowledge which is steadfast
Original
या निशा सर्वभूतानां तस्यां जागर्ति संयमी।यस्यां जाग्रति भूतानि सा निशा पश्यतो मुनेः।।2.69।।
Translation
To such a self-controlled person, the daytime of others is the time of meditative night & others’ night is when he is awake & seeing
Original
आपूर्यमाणमचलप्रतिष्ठंसमुद्रमापः प्रविशन्ति यद्वत्।तद्वत्कामा यं प्रविशन्ति सर्वेस शान्तिमाप्नोति न कामकामी।।2.70।।
Translation
Like a ocean remains constant & steady despite many rivers flowing into it, so is a sage unmoved by all the desires surrounding him
Original
विहाय कामान्यः सर्वान्पुमांश्चरति निःस्पृहः।निर्ममो निरहंकारः स शांतिमधिगच्छति।।2.71।।
Translation
Real peace can be attained only by that man who has subdued all longings, has given up all desires & doesn’t think only about myself
Original
एषा ब्राह्मी स्थितिः पार्थ नैनां प्राप्य विमुह्यति। स्थित्वाऽस्यामन्तकालेऽपि ब्रह्मनिर्वाणमृच्छति।।2.72।।
Translation
O’ Arjuna, this is the Brahmi-state of mind where one is at peace with himself & in a complete state of surrender to the Supreme One.
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