Chapter 5 Verse 26
Karm Sanyās Yog
कामक्रोधवियुक्तानां यतीनां यतचेतसाम्। अभितो ब्रह्मनिर्वाणं वर्तते विदितात्मनाम्।।5.26।।
kāma-krodha-viyuktānāṁ yatīnāṁ yata-chetasām abhito brahma-nirvāṇaṁ vartate viditātmanām
Word Meanings
| kāma | desires |
| krodha | anger |
| vimuktānām | of those who are liberated |
| yatīnām | of the saintly persons |
| yata-chetasām | those self-realized persons who have subdued their mind |
| abhitaḥ | from every side |
| brahma | spiritual |
| nirvāṇam | liberation from material existence |
| vartate | exists |
| vidita-ātmanām | of those who are self-realized |
Translation
Absolute freedom exists on all sides for those self-controlled ascetics who are free from desire and anger, who have controlled their thoughts, and who have realized the Self.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse says true freedom is available to people who have let go of strong desires and anger and who have trained their minds. When the mind is calm and controlled, a person sees their true Self and is not pulled by cravings or rage.
This freedom is inner, not just a change in outside life. A self-realized person can live in the world but remains steady and peaceful because they are not owned by their feelings or thoughts.
The teaching points to practical inner work: control reactions, reduce attachments, and know your deeper nature. As these grow, a steady experience of spiritual freedom spreads through every part of life.
Life Application
- When you feel desire or anger rising, pause and breathe for a few breaths before acting to weaken automatic reactions.
- Practice small acts of non-attachment: enjoy things without clinging, and let them go when they pass.
- Set a daily short practice (5–15 minutes) of quiet attention or simple self-inquiry to steady the mind.
Reflection Question
Which one desire or angry habit, if softened, would make your daily life calmer today?