Bhagavad Gita 2.71

 

Bhagavad Gita Verse 2.71: The Path to Supreme Peace

Verse 2.71 (Sanskrit & Translation)

विहाय कामान्यः सर्वान्पुमांश्चरति नि:स्पृहः।
निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः स शान्तिमधिगच्छति॥

Translation:

"He who abandons all desires and lives free from longing, who is without the sense of 'I' and 'mine,' attains peace."

"जो सभी इच्छाओं को त्याग देता है और लालसा से मुक्त रहता है, जो 'मैं' और 'मेरा' की भावना से रहित है, वह शांति प्राप्त करता है।"

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Understanding the Essence of Verse 2.71

This verse is one of the most profound teachings in the Bhagavad Gita. It encapsulates the essence of renunciation and the path to true peace (Shanti). Lord Krishna here describes the state of a truly liberated soul—one who has completely given up desires, attachment, and ego.

Key Themes of This Verse

1. Renunciation of Desires:

   • Desires are the root cause of human suffering. When an individual constantly seeks external pleasures, they remain bound to the cycle of attachment and disappointment.
   • True liberation (moksha) comes when one abandons these desires and finds contentment within.

2. Freedom from Attachment (Nissprihah):

   • A person who is not attached to the material world, who neither craves nor rejects things, attains an unshakable inner peace.
   • This does not mean giving up responsibilities but performing them selflessly, without expectation.

3. Absence of ‘I’ and ‘Mine’ (Nirmama & Nirahankara):

   • "Nirmama" means without the sense of ownership. Attachment to possessions, people, and even achievements creates bondage.
   • "Nirahankara" means free from ego. The false identification with the body, mind, and achievements leads to suffering. When one realizes their true spiritual nature, ego dissolves.

4. Attaining Supreme Peace (Shanti):

   • True peace is not found in external circumstances but within.
   • When one is free from desires, attachment, and ego, they transcend worldly sorrows and attain a state of eternal tranquility.

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Application of This Teaching in Daily Life

1. Letting Go of Material Obsession:

   • We often believe happiness comes from acquiring wealth, status, or relationships. However, true peace arises when we stop clinging to these temporary things.

2. Practicing Detachment in Relationships:

   • Love and care should be unconditional. When we expect something in return, we create attachment and suffering.

3. Overcoming Ego:

   • Instead of identifying with achievements or failures, we should see life as a journey of growth and learning.

4. Meditation and Self-Realization:

• Regular meditation helps in detaching from desires and ego, bringing a sense of inner peace.

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Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 2.71 is a guide to attaining lasting peace. By relinquishing desires, attachment, and ego, one can experience true liberation. This verse teaches us that peace does not come from external achievements but from inner detachment and spiritual realization.

Would you like a deeper discussion on its relevance in modern times?