Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4.22

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 22: A Path to True Contentment

Sanskrit Verse:

यदृच्छालाभसन्तुष्टो द्वन्द्वातीतो विमत्सरः।
समः सिद्धावसिद्धौ च कृत्वापि न निबध्यते॥

Transliteration:

Yadṛich-chhā-lābha-santuṣhṭo dvandvātīto vimatsaraḥ
Samaḥ siddhāvasiddhau cha kṛitvāpi na nibadhyate

Translation:

"He who is content with whatever he obtains naturally, who is beyond dualities, free from envy, and steady in success and failure, is not bound by his actions even while performing them."

" जो व्यक्ति स्वाभाविक रूप से जो कुछ भी प्राप्त करता है, उसी में संतुष्ट रहता है, जो द्वन्द्वों से परे है, ईर्ष्या से मुक्त है, तथा सफलता और असफलता में स्थिर रहता है, वह कर्म करते हुए भी उनसे नहीं बँधता। "

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Explaining the Essence of the Verse

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 4, Verse 22) highlights the mindset of a spiritually evolved person. It teaches the virtues of contentment, equanimity, and detachment from the fruits of action.

Key Teachings from the Verse

1. Contentment (संतोष - Santosha):

   • The verse speaks about "यदृच्छालाभसन्तुष्टः", which means being satisfied with whatever comes naturally, without excessive desires or greed.
   • This reflects a state of inner peace, where one does not chase after material gains but remains happy with what destiny provides.

2. Freedom from Dualities (द्वन्द्वातीत - Dvandvātītaḥ):

   • A person who rises above duality (happiness-sorrow, pleasure-pain) remains undisturbed by changing circumstances.
   • This mindset brings stability and prevents suffering from life’s ups and downs.

3. Absence of Jealousy (विमत्सर - Vimatsaraḥ):

   • Envy often leads to dissatisfaction. A spiritually awakened person does not compare himself with others but focuses on his own progress.

4. Equanimity in Success and Failure (समः सिद्धावसिद्धौ च - Samaḥ Siddhāvasiddhau Cha):

   • Success and failure are two sides of the same coin. A wise person accepts both with the same attitude, without being overjoyed or dejected.
   • Such equanimity brings mental peace and stability.

5. Freedom from Karma Bondage (कृत्वापि न निबध्यते - Kṛitvāpi Na Nibadhyate):

   • One who works with detachment is not bound by karma (the consequences of action).
   • This aligns with the principle of Nishkama Karma (selfless action), a core teaching of the Bhagavad Gita.
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Practical Application in Daily Life

• Accept Life as It Comes: Instead of stressing over what we don’t have, we should practice gratitude for what we do.
• Rise Above Dualities: Maintaining a balanced mind helps in dealing with both joy and sorrow effectively.
• Let Go of Comparisons: Envy only creates suffering. Everyone has their own journey.
• Detach from Results: Work with full dedication but do not obsess over the outcomes.

By following these teachings, one can lead a stress-free, peaceful, and fulfilling life while continuing to perform their duties with sincerity.

Conclusion:
Bhagavad Gita 4.22 provides a timeless lesson on contentment, balance, and selfless action. If we embrace this wisdom, we can live a life of inner joy and freedom from worries, even amidst the challenges of the world.