Chapter 2, Verse 48
योगस्थ: कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय | सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्यो: समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते ॥48॥
yoga-sthaḥ kuru karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā dhanañjaya | siddhy-asiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā samatvaṁ yoga ucyate
"Be established in Yoga, O Arjuna, perform your duty and abandon all attachment to success or failure. Such evenness of mind is called Yoga."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.48 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.48 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
In this pivotal verse, Krishna defines 'Yoga' not as physical postures, but as 'Samatvam'—equanimity of mind. He instructs Arjuna to act from a state of inner stability (Yoga-sthaḥ) rather than being driven by the fluctuating desires for specific outcomes. By letting go of 'Saṅga' (attachment), the practitioner remains unaffected by 'Siddhi' (success) and 'Asiddhi' (failure). This mental poise allows one to perform duties with maximum efficiency and minimum psychological distress, transforming work into a spiritual practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 2.48?
Be established in Yoga, O Arjuna, perform your duty and abandon all attachment to success or failure. Such evenness of mind is called Yoga.