Chapter 4 Verse 22
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
यदृच्छालाभसन्तुष्टो द्वन्द्वातीतो विमत्सरः। समः सिद्धावसिद्धौ च कृत्वापि न निबध्यते।।4.22।।
yadṛichchhā-lābha-santuṣhṭo dvandvātīto vimatsaraḥ samaḥ siddhāvasiddhau cha kṛitvāpi na nibadhyate
Word Meanings
| yadṛichchhā | which comes of its own accord |
| lābha | gain |
| santuṣhṭaḥ | contented |
| dvandva | duality |
| atītaḥ | surpassed |
| vimatsaraḥ | free from envy |
| samaḥ | equipoised |
| siddhau | in success |
| asiddhau | failure |
| cha | and |
| kṛitvā | performing |
| api | even |
| na | never |
| nibadhyate | is bound |
Translation
Content with what comes to him without effort, free from the pairs of opposites and envy, even-minded in success and failure, he acts yet is not bound.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse describes a person who is satisfied with what comes naturally, without craving extra gain. They do not get caught up in the pairs of opposites — like praise and blame, profit and loss — and are free from envy.
Such a person stays calm and steady whether they succeed or fail. They perform their duties fully, but because they do not cling to results, their actions do not bind them to future disturbance or inner unrest.
In essence, inner freedom comes from contentment, even-mindedness, and acting without attachment to outcomes. This frees you from the cycle of reaction and regret.
Life Application
- When good things happen, accept them with gratitude; when things go wrong, respond calmly instead of reacting with panic or blame.
- Focus on doing your best in daily tasks (work, care, learning) and let go of constant chasing for reward or recognition.
- Notice and stop comparisons; replace envy with appreciation by listing three things you are thankful for each day.
Reflection Question
Can I do my next task fully and then let go of the need for a specific result?