Bhagavad Gita 5.20

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5, Verse 20: Understanding the Steady Mind

Sanskrit Verse:

न प्रहृष्येत्प्रियं प्राप्य नोद्विजेत्प्राप्य चाप्रियम् |
स्थिरबुद्धिरसम्मूढो ब्रह्मविद्ब्रह्मणि स्थित: || 20 ||

Transliteration:

Na prahṛṣyetpriyaṁ prāpya nodvijetprāpya cāpriyam |
sthirabuddhirasaṁmūḍho brahmavidbrahmaṇi sthitaḥ || 20 ||

Translation:

“One who does not rejoice upon obtaining something pleasant, nor becomes distressed on experiencing the unpleasant, who is steady-minded and free from delusion—such a knower of Brahman remains established in the Supreme.”

" जो न तो किसी सुखद वस्तु को पाकर प्रसन्न होता है और न ही किसी अप्रिय वस्तु को पाकर दुखी होता है, जो स्थिरचित्त और मोह से मुक्त है - ऐसा ब्रह्मज्ञ पुरुष परब्रह्म में स्थित रहता है। "

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Explanation of Verse 5.20

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the qualities of a spiritually enlightened person—someone who is unaffected by external circumstances and remains firmly rooted in higher knowledge. Lord Krishna explains that a true seeker of Brahman (the Absolute Truth) remains balanced in both joy and sorrow, unaffected by worldly fluctuations.

Key Teachings from This Verse:

1. Freedom from Emotional Extremes:

   • Most people react strongly to life’s ups and downs. Happiness makes them excited, while sorrow disturbs them. However, Krishna describes a person who neither exults in pleasure nor despairs in pain. This equanimity leads to inner peace.

2. Steadiness of Mind (Sthirabuddhi):

   • The term sthirabuddhi means “steady intellect.” Such a person is not easily swayed by temporary emotions or circumstances but remains mentally composed and clear-headed.

3. Freedom from Delusion (Asammūḍha):

   • Delusion arises when we identify ourselves too much with worldly achievements or failures. An enlightened being realizes that material gains and losses are temporary and does not get entangled in illusions.

4. Established in Brahman (Brahmavid Brahmaṇi Sthitaḥ):

   • A person who has knowledge of Brahman (the ultimate reality) remains fixed in this truth. They understand that their true self is beyond the physical body and mind, leading to an unshakable inner stability.

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Practical Application in Daily Life

1. Develop Emotional Resilience:

   • Practice staying calm and composed in both joyful and challenging situations. Avoid overreacting to temporary successes or failures.

2. Cultivate Inner Stability Through Spiritual Practice:

   • Meditation, self-inquiry, and devotion help in maintaining a balanced mind, reducing emotional turbulence.

3. Shift Focus from External Outcomes to Inner Growth:

   • Instead of being attached to external rewards, focus on self-improvement, wisdom, and selfless service.

4. Live with Detachment but Not Indifference:

• Being unaffected by results does not mean being careless. It means doing one’s duty sincerely without being controlled by external circumstances.

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Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 5.20 teaches us the art of equanimity—how to remain unshaken by external events and anchored in higher wisdom. By understanding and applying this verse in daily life, we can cultivate a peaceful mind, develop emotional resilience, and move closer to the ultimate truth—Brahman.

This verse is a powerful reminder that true happiness lies not in external situations but in the steadiness of our own consciousness.