Chapter 2 – Sankhya Yoga
Verse 71
Sanskrit Verse
vihāya kāmān yaḥ sarvān pumānśh charati niḥspṛihaḥ
nirmamo nirahankāraḥ sa śhāntim adhigachchhati
Simple Meaning
O Arjuna!
The person who renounces all desires, lives free from longing, is free from the feeling of “mine,” and is devoid of ego, attains true peace.
Detailed Explanation
Renunciation of All Desires
Krishna explains that true spiritual growth begins when a person gives up all kinds of cravings and attachments. Such a person does not depend on external objects for happiness.
Life Without Longing (Nihspṛiha)
A desireless person does not chase pleasures or material gains. He or she remains satisfied in every situation, without inner restlessness.
Freedom from “Mine” (Nirmama)
The feeling of ownership creates attachment and suffering. Krishna teaches that everything in this world is temporary, and nothing truly belongs to us. When this understanding arises, the sense of “mine” disappears.
Freedom from Ego (Nirahankara)
Ego makes a person believe “I am the doer” and “I am important.” This leads to pride, conflict, and disturbance of mind. When ego dissolves, the mind becomes light, calm, and clear.
Attainment of True Peace
A person who is free from desires, attachment, and ego naturally experiences deep inner peace. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but arises from within.
Key Points
- Complete renunciation of desires leads to freedom
- Lack of attachment brings mental stability
- “Mine-ness” creates suffering, its absence brings peace
- Ego is the root cause of disturbance
- True peace is an inner realization
Profound Spiritual Meaning
This verse reveals that peace is not something to be achieved outside, but something to be discovered within. When a person rises above desire, ownership, and ego, the mind becomes naturally still and fulfilled.
Krishna teaches that liberation begins when craving ends, and peace arises when the sense of “I” and “mine” dissolves.
Message of the Verse
A person who gives up all desires, remains free from attachment and ego, and lives without longing attains true and lasting peace.
