योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय ।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते ॥ ४८ ॥
yoga-sthaḥ kuru karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā dhanañjaya
siddhy-asiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā samatvaṁ yoga uchyate
हे धनंजय! स्थिर मन से, समचित्त रहकर और सफलता अथवा असफलता के प्रति आसक्ति से मुक्त रहकर अपना कर्तव्य करो। इस समता को ही योग कहा जाता है।
O Dhananjaya! Perform your duties with a steady mind, remaining equipoised and free from attachment from success or failure. This equanimity is known as Yoga.
Verse 2.48 of the Bhagavad Gita represents a pivotal moment in Krishna's teachings to Arjuna, building upon the previous instructions about performing one's duties. Here, Krishna elaborates on the mental state in which these duties should be carried out - a state of equanimity and detachment from outcomes.
In this verse, Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duties while established in yoga (yoga-sthah), abandoning attachment to results (sangam tyaktva), and maintaining equilibrium in both success and failure (siddhy-asiddhyoh samo bhutva). Krishna concludes with the profound definition that "equanimity is called yoga" (samatvam yoga ucyate). This establishes that true yoga is not merely physical postures but an inner state of emotional balance regardless of external circumstances.
The core teaching here introduces karma-yoga - the path of selfless action. Krishna is not asking Arjuna to renounce action itself, but rather to renounce attachment to the fruits of action. This subtle distinction is crucial. By performing duties without being obsessed with outcomes, one creates a foundation for spiritual advancement. The detachment doesn't mean indifference or lack of effort but rather a profound shift in motivation and perspective.
This verse challenges our common understanding of motivation. Most people perform actions with specific desired outcomes in mind, becoming elated with success and dejected with failure. Krishna proposes a revolutionary approach - to find fulfillment in the work itself rather than its results. When we work with this mindset, we gain a certain freedom from the emotional rollercoaster of worldly successes and failures.
Equanimity (samatva) represents a state of emotional steadiness that remains undisturbed by life's inevitable fluctuations. Like a deeply rooted tree that bends with strong winds but doesn't break, a person established in yoga maintains inner stability despite external turbulence. This equilibrium enables clear thinking and appropriate responses rather than emotional reactions to circumstances.
The practice of remaining equipoised during both favorable and unfavorable situations requires a shift in identity. When we identify solely with material achievements, we become vulnerable to the ups and downs of worldly results. However, when we recognize our spiritual nature beyond temporary circumstances, we can perform our duties with excellence while maintaining inner peace. This doesn't mean becoming emotionless, but rather not allowing emotions to overwhelm our judgment and wellbeing.
Krishna's instruction to Arjuna is ultimately about finding freedom through disciplined action rather than through escape from responsibility. By encouraging Arjuna to fight his battle with equanimity, Krishna reveals that true liberation comes not from avoiding duty but from transforming our relationship with it. When work becomes an offering performed with skill and detachment, it elevates from mere activity to spiritual practice. In this state, the action itself becomes rewarding, regardless of external outcomes, creating a sustainable approach to both worldly responsibilities and spiritual advancement.
Experience the Bhagavad Gita in a modern avatar on the BGFA app, with videos, explanations, lessons and more!
