Chapter 2 Verse 66
Sānkhya Yog
नास्ति बुद्धिरयुक्तस्य न चायुक्तस्य भावना। न चाभावयतः शान्तिरशान्तस्य कुतः सुखम्।।2.66।।
nāsti buddhir-ayuktasya na chāyuktasya bhāvanā na chābhāvayataḥ śhāntir aśhāntasya kutaḥ sukham
Word Meanings
| na | not |
| asti | is |
| buddhiḥ | intellect |
| ayuktasya | not united |
| na | not |
| cha | and |
| ayuktasya | not united |
| bhāvanā | contemplation |
| na | nor |
| cha | and |
| abhāvayataḥ | for those not united |
| śhāntiḥ | peace |
| aśhāntasya | of the unpeaceful |
| kutaḥ | where |
| sukham | happiness |
Translation
There is no knowledge of the Self for the unsteady, and no meditation is possible for the unsteady, and no peace for the unmeditative, and how can there be happiness for one who has no peace?
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that a restless, scattered mind cannot know the true Self. If your attention jumps around, deep understanding and steady meditation are impossible. Without steady attention, peacefulness cannot grow.
Peace is the basis of real happiness. If you cannot calm your thoughts, you cannot reach inner peace, and so lasting joy remains out of reach. The verse points to one simple truth: steadiness of mind is the root of wisdom, meditation, peace, and happiness.
Life Application
- Start small each day: pause for a few mindful breaths before tasks to build a habit of steadiness.
- Reduce distractions and practice single-tasking for short blocks (10–20 minutes) to strengthen focus.
- When you feel restless, return to a simple anchor (breath, a short prayer, or a walk) instead of chasing every thought.
Reflection Question
When today did my mind feel most scattered, and what one small pause could I use to bring it back to calm?