Chapter 4, Verse 22
यदृच्छालाभसन्तुष्टो द्वन्द्वातीतो विमत्सर: |
सम: सिद्धावसिद्धौ च कृत्वापि न निबध्यते ॥22॥
yadṛcchā-lābha-santuṣṭo dvandvātīto vimatsaraḥ |
samaḥ siddhāv asiddhau ca kṛtvāpi na nibadhyate ||
"Content with whatever gain comes of its own accord, transcending the dualities, free from envy, and steady in both success and failure, though acting, one is never bound."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 4.22 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 4.22 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse describes the internal state of a 'Karma Yogi'—one who acts in the world without being enslaved by it. The term 'yadṛcchā-lābha' refers to being satisfied with what providence provides, reducing the anxiety of 'more.' 'Dvandvātīto' signifies rising above dualities like heat/cold or joy/sorrow. Crucially, 'vimatsaraḥ' (free from envy) highlights that spiritual growth is impossible if we are constantly comparing our lot with others. When a person maintains 'samatva' (equipoise) in success and failure, their actions lose the 'karmic glue' that causes rebirth and bondage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 4.22?
Content with whatever gain comes of its own accord, transcending the dualities, free from envy, and steady in both success and failure, though acting, one is never bound.