Chapter 2 – Sankhya Yoga
Verse 48
Sanskrit Verse
yoga-sthaḥ kuru karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā dhanañjaya
siddhy-asiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā samatvaṁ yoga uchyate
Simple Meaning
O Arjuna!
Perform your duties while being established in yoga, abandoning attachment. Remain balanced in both success and failure, for such equanimity is called Yoga.
Detailed Explanation
Acting with a Balanced Mind
Krishna advises Arjuna to perform actions while being “yoga-sthaḥ,” meaning firmly established in a state of inner balance and awareness.
This state of mind allows a person to act with clarity, calmness, and purpose.
Letting Go of Attachment
“Saṅgaṁ tyaktvā” means giving up attachment to outcomes and expectations.
When actions are performed without attachment, they become free from stress, fear, and anxiety.
Equality in Success and Failure
Krishna emphasizes maintaining the same attitude in both success (siddhi) and failure (asiddhi).
A person who remains unaffected by these ups and downs develops true inner strength and stability.
True Meaning of Yoga
Krishna defines yoga as “samatvam”—a state of equanimity.
Yoga is not just physical practice, but a mental and spiritual balance where one remains steady in all situations.
Key Points
Right mindset in action – Perform duties with a calm and steady mind.
Detach from outcomes – Let go of expectations and emotional dependence on results.
Stay equal in all situations – Treat success and failure with the same attitude.
Equanimity is yoga – Balance and stability define true yoga.
Profound Spiritual Meaning
This verse deepens the concept of Karma Yoga by introducing the importance of inner balance.
Krishna teaches that actions alone are not enough—the attitude behind actions matters most.
When a person acts with detachment and remains steady in all circumstances, they move closer to true peace and self-realization.
The deeper message is:
True yoga is not just action without attachment, but maintaining perfect balance in every outcome.
Word-by-Word Meaning
Yoga-sthaḥ – Established in yoga
Kuru karmāṇi – Perform actions
Saṅgam tyaktvā – Giving up attachment
Dhanañjaya – O Arjuna
Siddhi-asiddhyoḥ – In success and failure
Samaḥ bhūtvā – Remaining equal
Samatvam – Equanimity
Yoga uchyate – Is called yoga
Message of the Shloka
Krishna teaches that one should perform duties with a balanced and steady mind, free from attachment.
By remaining equal in success and failure, a person attains true yoga, inner peace, and spiritual growth.
