Chapter 5 Verse 23
Karm Sanyās Yog
शक्नोतीहैव यः सोढुं प्राक्शरीरविमोक्षणात्। कामक्रोधोद्भवं वेगं स युक्तः स सुखी नरः।।5.23।।
śhaknotīhaiva yaḥ soḍhuṁ prāk śharīra-vimokṣhaṇāt kāma-krodhodbhavaṁ vegaṁ sa yuktaḥ sa sukhī naraḥ
Word Meanings
| śhaknoti | is able |
| iha eva | in the present body |
| yaḥ | who |
| soḍhum | to withstand |
| prāk | before |
| śharīra | the body |
| vimokṣhaṇāt | giving up |
| kāma | desire |
| krodha | anger |
| udbhavam | generated from |
| vegam | forces |
| saḥ | that person |
| yuktaḥ | yogi |
| saḥ | that person |
| sukhī | happy |
| naraḥ | person |
Translation
He who is able, while still here in this world, to withstand the impulse born out of desire and anger before the liberation from the body, he is a Yogi, and he is a happy man.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says real spiritual strength is shown by controlling the rush of desire and anger while you are still alive. If you can resist those strong impulses before death, you are truly a yogi and you will be happy.
Desire and anger push you into actions that bind you to suffering. Mastery over these forces brings inner freedom. It is not about leaving the world, but about staying calm and steady in it.
True liberation is practical: steady attention, small acts of restraint, and clear choice in daily life lead to lasting peace and joy.
Life Application
- When you feel a strong urge or anger, pause and breathe for a few seconds before acting. This breaks the immediate reaction.
- Practice saying "not now" to small desires (impulse buys, gossip, harsh words) to build self-control.
- Spend a few minutes daily noticing what triggers your desires and anger, then make a simple plan to avoid or respond differently next time.
Reflection Question
What one small impulse could you choose to refuse today to feel calmer and more in control?