Chapter 2 Verse 56
Sānkhya Yog
दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः। वीतरागभयक्रोधः स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते।।2.56।।
duḥkheṣhv-anudvigna-manāḥ sukheṣhu vigata-spṛihaḥ vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhaḥ sthita-dhīr munir uchyate
Word Meanings
| duḥkheṣhu | amidst miseries |
| anudvigna-manāḥ | one whose mind is undisturbed |
| sukheṣhu | in pleasure |
| vigata-spṛihaḥ | without craving |
| vīta | free from |
| rāga | attachment |
| bhaya | fear |
| krodhaḥ | anger |
| sthita-dhīḥ | enlightened person |
| muniḥ | a sage |
| uchyate | is called |
Translation
He whose mind is not shaken by adversity, who does not long for pleasures, and is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse describes a person whose mind stays calm in hard times and who does not chase after pleasures. Such a person is free from strong likes, fears, and anger. That inner balance is what makes someone a steady, wise person.
Being steady does not mean being cold or passive. It means acting from clarity rather than from panic, desire, or hatred. When you let go of constant craving and fear, you respond to life with clear judgment and inner peace.
True wisdom shows up as simple habits: accepting what you cannot control, enjoying what is good without clinging, and meeting difficulties without losing your center.
Life Application
- When you feel strong desire or fear, pause and take three slow breaths before reacting. This creates space to choose a calm response.
- Practice gratitude daily for what you have; this reduces relentless craving and makes pleasures feel full without needing more.
- Notice triggers for anger and step back—name the feeling, assess facts, and respond rather than explode.
Reflection Question
In a recent stressful moment, did I act from calm choice or from fear/anger?