Chapter 18 Verse 54
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
ब्रह्मभूतः प्रसन्नात्मा न शोचति न काङ्क्षति।समः सर्वेषु भूतेषु मद्भक्तिं लभते पराम्।।18.54।।
brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā na śhochati na kāṅkṣhati samaḥ sarveṣhu bhūteṣhu mad-bhaktiṁ labhate parām
Word Meanings
| brahma-bhūtaḥ | one situated in Brahman |
| prasanna-ātmā | mentally serene |
| na | neither |
| śhochati | grieving |
| na | nor |
| kāṅkṣhati | desiring |
| samaḥ | equitably disposed |
| sarveṣhu | toward all |
| bhūteṣhu | living beings |
| mat-bhaktim | devotion to me |
| labhate | attains |
| parām | supreme |
Translation
Becoming Brahman, serene in the Self, he neither grieves nor desires; he is the same to all beings, and obtains supreme devotion to Me.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
When a person rests in the true Self (Brahman), they become calm and steady inside. This inner peace means they no longer live driven by craving or pull away in sorrow. Their heart is clear and untroubled.
Seeing all beings with equal regard follows from that calmness. Without personal likes and dislikes, we treat others fairly and without bias. This even-mindedness frees action from selfishness.
From this balanced state grows pure devotion. Love and devotion arise naturally, steady and free from attachment. In daily life, this leads to wiser choices, kinder relationships, and a steady inner center.
Life Application
- Notice and pause before reacting: label whether your response comes from desire, fear, or calm awareness.
- Practice small acts of equal kindness (listening, helping) to build an attitude of sameness toward others.
- Keep a simple steady practice—short prayer, meditation, or service—to nurture devotion without expectations.
Reflection Question
When do you most often act from desire or sorrow instead of from a calm, steady place?