Chapter 6 Verse 32
Dhyān Yog
आत्मौपम्येन सर्वत्र समं पश्यति योऽर्जुन। सुखं वा यदि वा दुःखं सः योगी परमो मतः।।6.32।।
ātmaupamyena sarvatra samaṁ paśhyati yo ’rjuna sukhaṁ vā yadi vā duḥkhaṁ sa yogī paramo mataḥ
Word Meanings
| ātma-aupamyena | similar to oneself |
| sarvatra | everywhere |
| samam | equally |
| paśhyati | see |
| yaḥ | who |
| arjuna | Arjun |
| sukham | joy |
| vā | or |
| yadi | if |
| vā | or |
| duḥkham | sorrow |
| saḥ | such |
| yogī | a yogi |
| paramaḥ | highest |
| mataḥ | is considered |
Translation
He who, through the likeness of the Self, O Arjuna, sees reality everywhere, be it pleasure or pain, is regarded as the highest Yogi.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says a true yogi looks at everything with the awareness of the same inner Self. By seeing others and all events as reflections of that Self, the yogi remains steady whether life brings pleasure or pain.
Seeing "the Self" everywhere means recognizing a shared inner life beyond bodies, labels, and moods. When you identify with that deeper sameness, you stop being controlled by likes and dislikes.
This steady vision brings calm action and kindness. It does not mean ignoring feelings, but meeting them from a centered place so choices are wise, not reactive.
Life Application
- Before reacting, take a breath and remind yourself that the other person has the same inner life you do; this softens anger and opens space for kind response.
- When you feel joy or pain, notice it as passing experience rather than your whole identity; this reduces impulsive attachment or avoidance.
- Spend a few minutes daily quietly watching your thoughts and feelings as a witness; then try to extend that same quiet acceptance toward others during the day.
Reflection Question
When I am upset or pleased, can I remember the same inner Self lives in both me and the other person?