Chapter 2 Verse 53
Sānkhya Yog
श्रुतिविप्रतिपन्ना ते यदा स्थास्यति निश्चला। समाधावचला बुद्धिस्तदा योगमवाप्स्यसि।।2.53।।
śhruti-vipratipannā te yadā sthāsyati niśhchalā samādhāv-achalā buddhis tadā yogam avāpsyasi
Word Meanings
| śhruti-vipratipannā | not allured by the fruitive sections of the Vedas |
| te | your |
| yadā | when |
| sthāsyati | remains |
| niśhchalā | steadfast |
| samādhau | in divine consciousness |
| achalā | steadfast |
| buddhiḥ | intellect |
| tadā | at that time |
| yogam | Yog |
| avāpsyasi | you will attain |
Translation
When your intellect, which is perplexed by the Vedic texts you have read, stands immovable and steady in the Self, then you will attain Self-realization.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that when your mind and understanding, confused by reading many scriptures, become steady and rest in the true Self, you reach yoga — real spiritual union. The confusion comes from arguing over words and meanings; steadiness comes from direct inner experience.
Steadiness means your attention does not jump around with doubts, desires, or the promise of rewards. It rests quietly in awareness that is unchanged by pleasure or pain. From that calm place you see what truly matters and act accordingly.
When your inner wisdom becomes firm like this, you stop being tossed by outward claims and start living from clarity. That steady inner base brings real spiritual growth, not just more information.
Life Application
- Sit quietly each day (even 5–15 minutes) to steady your mind and notice the deeper sense of “I am” beyond thoughts.
- Read spiritual teachings slowly; try what feels true in practice rather than getting lost in debate or seeking praise.
- Before deciding or reacting, pause and check if you are acting from calm awareness or from confusion, desire, or fear.
Reflection Question
Is my understanding steady inside, or am I still chasing answers in words and outcomes?