Chapter 5 Verse 20
Karm Sanyās Yog
न प्रहृष्येत्प्रियं प्राप्य नोद्विजेत्प्राप्य चाप्रियम्। स्थिरबुद्धिरसम्मूढो ब्रह्मविद्ब्रह्मणि स्थितः।।5.20।।
na prahṛiṣhyet priyaṁ prāpya nodvijet prāpya chāpriyam sthira-buddhir asammūḍho brahma-vid brahmaṇi sthitaḥ
Word Meanings
| na | neither |
| prahṛiṣhyet | rejoice |
| priyam | the pleasant |
| prāpya | obtaining |
| na | nor |
| udvijet | become disturbed |
| prāpya | attaining |
| cha | also |
| apriyam | the unpleasant |
| sthira-buddhiḥ | steady intellect |
| asammūḍhaḥ | firmly situated |
| brahma-vit | having a firm understanding of divine knowledge |
| brahmaṇi | established in God |
| sthitaḥ | situated |
Translation
Resting in Brahman, with a steady intellect and undeluded, the knower of Brahman neither rejoices upon obtaining what is pleasant nor grieves upon obtaining what is unpleasant.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse describes a person who is firmly established in Brahman — the supreme reality or divine presence. Such a person has a steady, clear mind and is not confused by the pull of pleasure or pain.
Being "not rejoicing at the pleasant nor grieving at the unpleasant" means inner balance. When you see life from a deeper, calm place, success and setback no longer control your peace.
Spiritually, this steady mind comes from right knowledge and practice. It frees you from attachment, so you can act clearly and lovingly without being driven by outcomes.
Life Application
- Pause and notice your emotional reaction before you act—this creates space and prevents impulsive joy or despair.
- Do your work with care but let go of clinging to results; focus on effort, not on winning or losing.
- Build steadiness with short daily habits: a few minutes of quiet breathing, mindful breaks, or reflecting on the bigger picture.
Reflection Question
Can I stay calm and clear whether things go my way or not?