Bhagavad Gita 3.48

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 48: Understanding Detached Action

Sanskrit Verse:

योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते॥ ३.४८

Transliteration:

Yogasthaḥ kuru karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā dhanañjaya,
Siddhyasiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā samatvaṁ yoga uchyate.

Translation:

"Be steadfast in yoga, O Arjuna, perform your duties while renouncing attachment, and be even-minded in success and failure. This equanimity is called yoga."

" हे अर्जुन! योग में दृढ़ रहो, आसक्ति का त्याग करते हुए अपने कर्तव्यों का पालन करो तथा सफलता और असफलता में समचित्त रहो। इस समता को योग कहते हैं।" 

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Exploring the Meaning of Bhagavad Gita 3.48

This verse is part of Lord Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna about Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action. Let’s break down its core teachings:

1. Steadfastness in Yoga

Krishna urges Arjuna to perform his duties while being established in yoga, which in this context means a state of mental and spiritual balance. This doesn’t mean abandoning work but performing it with awareness and devotion.

2. Renouncing Attachment

The phrase saṅgaṁ tyaktvā means to give up attachment. This doesn’t mean one should not care about their work, but rather that one should not be emotionally bound to the results. The focus should be on effort, not outcomes.

3. Equanimity in Success and Failure

Krishna emphasizes that a true yogi remains balanced in both success and failure (siddhyasiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā). This attitude prevents anxiety, pride, or disappointment and leads to inner peace.

4. The Essence of Yoga: Samatvam

Krishna defines yoga as samatvaṁ, meaning even-mindedness. True yoga is not just about physical postures but about mental steadiness, where one remains unaffected by external circumstances.

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Applying This Verse in Daily Life

1. Work Without Stress: Focus on effort rather than worrying about the outcome.
2. Detach from Results: Accept both success and failure with grace.
3. Balance Emotions: Stay calm in challenging situations, avoiding extreme reactions.
4. Live with Awareness: Perform daily tasks as an offering to a higher purpose.

By following these principles, one can lead a life of peace, purpose, and fulfillment, as taught in the Bhagavad Gita.