Word Meanings of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2

Word Meanings of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2

साङ्‌ख्य योग

सञ्जय उवाच :   Sanjaya Spoke :

• तम = to him ;  तथा = thus ;  कृपया = with pity, compassion ;  आविष्टम्‌ = filled with ;  अश्रुपूर्णा  = tear filled ; आकुल = agitated ;   ईक्षणम्‌ = look, appearance;
• कुतः = wherefrom ;  त्वा  = (in) you ;  कश्मलम्‌  = dejection; इदम्‌ = like this ;

  विषमे = sorrowful condition ;   सम्‌ उपस्थितम्‌  = settle upon,

श्री भगवान्‌ उवाच :  Sri Bhagavan spoke :

अनार्य  = non-Aryan  जुष्टम्‌ = pleasing, providing joy to (this state of mind provides pleasure only to non-Aryans; in other words, this temperament does not befit an Aryan);    अस्वर्ग्यम्‌ = that which does not lead to heaven ; अकीर्तिकरम्‌  = disgraceful or dishonourable ;  अर्जुन = O ! Arjuna.

क्लैब्यम्‌  = impotence / cowardice ;  मा = do not ;   स्म = ever ;  गमः = go to (together  these three words mean do not yield to) पार्थ = O Arjuna ! ;  न = not ;  एतत = this ;   त्त्वयि = to you  उपपद्यते  = befitting ,

क्षुद्रम = low , below dignity ,  हृद्य = of the heart ;  दौर्बल्यम्‌ = weakness;  त्यक्त्वा = having discarded;  उत्तिष्ठ  = arise ;  परंतप = ( destroyer of enemies ) Arjuna !

अर्जुन उवाच :  Arjuna spoke

• कथं = how ;   भीष्मं = of Bheeshma ;  अहं  = I ; सङ्ख्ये = in the battle ;  द्रोणं  = of Drona ;   च  = and ;  मधुसूदन = O Krishna ,

इषुभिः = arrows ;  प्रति योत्स्यामि = fight against / counter / defend ;  पूजार्हौ  = (they who are ) worthy of respect ;  अरिसूदन =  (O destroyer of enemies !) = O Krishna! .

• गुरून्‌  = the teachers ; हत्वा = killing ;  हि  = indeed ; महानुभावान्‌  = great and venerable ;

श्रेयो = is superior ;  भोक्तुम्‌  = consuming or living on ; भैक्ष्यम = beggary ;            अपि = also ;  इह  = in this ; लोके = world,

हत्वा = killing ; अर्थ = (for the sake of) wealth ;  कामान्‌  = (for the sake of ) desires ;        तु = indeed ;  गुरूनिः = teachers ;  एव = also;

भुञ्जीय = consuming ;  भोगान्‌  = the pleasures / joys ; रुधिर  = blood ; प्रदिग्धान्‌ = stained / soaked in.

• न =  not ;  च = and ; एतत = these ;  विद्मः = know ;  कतरत्‍ = of the two ;  नो = for us ; गरीयो = is superior, better

यत्‍ = if ;  वा = or (together these two words mean either ) जयेम = be victorious ;        यदि वा = either (or)  नो = we ; जयेयुः  = be won over,

यान  = whom ; एव = also, indeed ;  हत्वा = killing ;  न = not ;  जिजीविषामः = desirous of living;  तेः = they ; अवस्थिताः = are stationed;  प्रमुखे = face to face ;  धार्तराष्ट्राः  = the descendents of Dritaraashtra (i,e the Kauravas).

• कार्पण्य = weakness of the spirit, pitiful circumstances ;   दोषः  = ailment, disease , उपहता  = (is) engulfed by , consumed by ;  स्वभावः = my nature, my being;

पृच्छामि = I ask ;  त्वाम्‌ = you ;  धर्मसम्मूढ़चेताः = (my) mind confused regarding my         duty .

यत्‌ = which ;   श्रेयः  = is superior ; स्यात्‌  =  indeed , perhaps ; निश्चितम्‌ = with certainty ब्रूहि = tell  तन्मे = तत्‌ + मे = that to me,

शिष्यः  = disciple ; ते = yours ;  अहम्‌ = I ;   शाधि  = enlighten , instruct ; मां  = me ;  

त्वाम्‌  = in you ;  प्रपन्नम्‌ = (one who has taken) refuge ॥

• न = do not ;   हि  = indeed ; प्रपश्यामि = (I) see ;  मम = my ;  आपनुद्याद्‌  = eliminate,

            यत = that ;  शोकम = sorrow,  उतशोषणम्‌ = withering, wilting ;  इंद्रीयाणाम्‌  = senses।

अवाप्य = attaining ;  भूमौ = on this earth ;  असपत्नम्‌  = unrivalled , undisputed ;

ऋद्धम्‌ = prosperity ; राज्य्म्‌ = kingdom ;  सुराणाम = of the Gods ;  अपि च = and also ; आधिपत्यम्‌ = dominion

संञ्जय उवच  (Sanjaya said)

• एवं = thus ;  उक्त्वा = having said ;   हृषीकेशम = to Krishna ;  गूडाकेशः  = Arjuna ; 

परंतपः  = (who is the) scorcher of enemies;

न = not ;  योत्स्य = fighting (intending to fight) ;  इति = thus ;  गोविंदम्‌ = to Krishna ;

उक्त्वा = having spoken ;  तुष्ठीम्‌ =  silent ;  बभूव = became ;  ह = indeed ॥

• तम = to him ;  उवाच = spoke, told ;   हृषीकेशः = Krishna;  प्रहसन्निव = smilingly ;  

भारत  = O Bharata (King Dritharaashtra),

सेनयोः  = (two) armies;  उभयोः = the two ;  मध्ये = in the midst of ;  

विषीदंतम = to the sorrow stricken ;  इदम = these ;   वचः = words ॥

श्री भगवान उवाच  (Sri Bhagavan said)

• अशोच्यान = those that should not be sympathised or grieved for ;  

अन्वशोचः = (you) grieve for  त्वम  = you ; प्रज्ञावादाम = like a scholar  च = and  

भाषसे = (you) lecture .

गतासून = those that are gone i.e. those that are dead ;  

अगतासूनः = those that are not gone i.e. those that are alive ;  च  = and  ; न  = (do) not अनुशोचंति  = grieve ;  पण्डिताः = the wise men ॥

• न = not , neither ;  तु = indeed ;   एव = also ;  अहम्‌  = I ;  जातु =  at any time (in the past) न = not ;  असम्‌  = was, existed ;  न = neither ;  त्वम्‌  = you ; न  = nor ; इमे = these जनधिपाः  = rulers, kings.

न = neither ; च  = and ; एव =also ;  न = nor ;  भविष्यामः = exist ;  सर्वे = all of ;  वयम्‌  = us ; अतः = also ;  परम्‌  = hereafter, in the future .

• देहिनः = The Soul ; अस्मिन = this ; यथा = just as ; देहे = in the body ;  कौमारम = childhood;  यौवनम = youth ;  जरा = old age;

तथा =  thus, so too ; देहांतरा = another body;  प्राप्तिः  = obtains ; धीरः = the intelligent ;  तत्र = in this regard ;  न = does not ;  मुह्यति = (get) agitated or disturbed.

• मात्रा  = sense objects ;  स्पर्शाः  = contact with ; तु  = but ; कौंतेया = O Arjuna ! ;  शीतोष्णसुखदुख  = cold , heat, joy, sorrow ; दाः =  (is)  the giver of ,  produces ;  

आगम = coming , approaching ;  अपायिनः = going , departing ;  अनित्याः = impermanent; तान  = them ;  तितिक्षस्व = bear , endure ;   भरत  = O Arjuna.

• यम = Any ;  हि  = indeed ;  न = (does) not ; (these three words together mean “nothing does”)  व्यथयन्ति = afflict , cause pain ;  एते = these ;  पुरुषम्‌  = men ;   पुरुषर्षभ  = O Chief among men ( O Arjuna)

सम = equally ;  दुख  = sorrow ;  सुखम = joy ;   धीरम = the courageous (man)  सः = he ;  अमृतत्वाय = for immortality  कल्पते  = is ordained, is destined.

• न = (does) not ;  असतो = the unreal, lacking intrinsic essence  ;   विद्यते = have the presence of ;    भावः  = being , existence ; न  =nor does ; अभावः = non-beings ;      विद्यते  = (have in them) the presence of  ; सतः  = an intrinsic essence.

उभयोः  = between the two ; अपि = and also ;  दृष्टो = have realised ;

अन्तः  = the underlying principle ; तु = indeed ;  अनयोः (of) these ;  

तत्त्व दर्शिभिः  = the seers , the sages.

• अविनाशि  = Indestructible ; तु  = as ; तत  = that ; विद्धि  = be known ; be aware of ;       येन  = by which ;   सर्वम = all ;  इदम =these ;  ततम = (is) pervaded;

विनाशम = destruction of ;  अव्ययस्य = (of this) imperishable ;  अस्य = of this ; न  = not कश्चित = anybody ; कर्तुम  = to cause ; अर्हति = (is) capable of.

• अन्तवन्त = that which has an end, perishable;   इमे = these ; देहा = bodies ;  

नित्यस्य = ever, eternal ;   उक्ताः  = is said to be ; शरीरिणः = the Self within ;

अनाशिनः  = indestructible ; अप्रमेयस्य = incomprehensible ;  तस्मात = therefore ;  

युध्यस्व  = fight ;भारत  = O Arjuna .

• य = he who ; एनं = this (Self)  वेत्ति  = considers ; हन्तारं  = as the slayer ; यः  = he who ; च = and ;  एनं = this (Self) ;   वेत्ति = considers ;  हतं = (as) slain;

उभौ = both ;  तौ  (of) them ; न  = do not ;   विजानीतो  = realise ;  न = neither (does)  

अयं = this ; हन्ति = kill;   न = nor (is) ;  हन्यते = is killed.

• न = neither ;  जायते  = born ; मृयते = dying ;  वा = nor ;  कदचित  = at any time , ever ;  

न = nor ;  अयम =  this ; भूत्वा  = in the past ; भविता = existed ; वा = also ;  न  = not ; 

भूयः = in the future.

अजः = unborn ;  नित्यः  = ever, eternal ; शाश्वतः = constant, everlasting ;  अयं = this (Self) पुराणः  = ancient, from time immemorial ; न = is not ;  हन्यते = killed or slain ;  

हन्यमाने = killed  ;  शरीरे  = this body.

• वेद =  (he) who knows ;   अविनाशिनम्‌  = indestructible ;  नित्यम्‌  = ever, always ; 

य = he who ;  एनम्‌  = this (Soul) ;  अजम्‌ = unborn ;  

अव्ययम्‌  = unchangeable , immutable ;

कथम्‌ = how (can) ;  सः  = that ;  पुरुषः = person ;  पार्थ = O Arjuna ;  कम्‌ = whom ;  

घातयति  = cause someone else to slay ;  हन्ति = kill ; कम्‌  = whom  

• वसांसि = Clothes ; जीर्णानि  = old, worn out ; यथा = just as ;  विहाय = discarding

नवानि = new ones ;  ग़ृह्णाति = purchases ;  नरः  = men, people ;

अपराणि  = others

      तथा = likewise, thus ; शरीराणि = bodies ; विहाय = discarding ;  जीर्ण  = old and worn out

            अन्यानि = other ;  संयाति = settles in ; नवानि = new ones ;  देही = the Soul 

• न = not , does not ; एनम्‌  = this Soul ; छिंन्दन्ति = cleave , cut ;  शस्त्राणि = weapons ; 

 न = nor does ;  एनम्‌  = this Soul ; दहति  = burn, consume ; पावकः  = fire

न = nor ; च  = and ; एनम = this Soul ; क्लेदयन्ति = wet  dampen ;  आपः = water ;  न = nor;  शोषयति = dry up;  मारुतः = the wind 

• अच्छेद्यः = that which cannot be cut or cleaved ;  अयम्‌  = this (Soul) अदाह्यः  = that which cannot be burned ; अयम = this (Soul) ;  अक्लेद्यः  = that which cannot be wet  or dampened ; अशोष्य  = that which cannot be dried ; एव = also;  च = and;

नित्यः  = ever ; सर्वगतः = all pervading ;  स्थाणुः  = firm , stable ; अचलः  = immoveable अयम्‌ =  this Soul ;  सनातनः  = ancient, from time immemorial.

• अव्यक्तः = not manifest, not visible ;  अयम = this Soul ; अचिन्त्यः  = unimaginable ;

अयम्‌ = this Soul ;  अविकार्यः = that which cannot be altered or changed;  अयम = this ;  उच्यते  = is said to be;

तस्मात्‌  = therefore ; एवम = thus ;  विदित्वा = having understood ;  एनम्‌ = this (Soul) ;

न = not ;  अनुशोचितुम = grieve ;  अर्हसि = merit.

• अथ = even if ;  च = and ;  एनम्‌  = This ;  नित्यजातम्‌  = continuously born ;

नित्यम्‌ = ever ;  वा  =  also ;  मन्यसे  = regarded as ; मृत्म्‌  = dying

तथा = therefore ;  अपि  = too, also  ; त्वम्‌  = you ;  महाबाहो  = O Arjuna ;  न  = not ;

एवम = these ;  शोचितुम = grieving upon ; अर्हसि = merit.

• जातस्य  = of the born ; हि = indeed ;   ध्रुवः = certainty ;  मृत्युः  = death ; ध्रुवम्‌  = is certain; जन्म = birth ;  मृतस्य = of the dead ;  च = and;

तस्म|त = therefore ;  अपरिहर्ये  = the inevitable ; अर्थे  = for the sake of ;  न  = not ;

त्वम्‌  = you ;  शोचितुम  = grieving upon ; अर्हसि = merit.

• अव्यक्त = unmanifest ;  आदि  = in the beginning ; इनि  = these ; भूतानि  = beings ;

व्यक्त = (become) manifest ; मध्यानि = in the middle , in the intervening period;  

भारत  = Arjuna

अव्यक्त = unmanifest ;  निधनानि  = upon cessation (in the end) ; एव = also ;  

तत्र = in such a situation ;  का = why for ;  परिदेवना  = grief.

• आश्चर्यवत्‌  =  with amazement ;  पश्यति = see, perceive ;  कश्चित्‌  = some (people) ;

एनम्‌ = This;

आश्चर्यवत्‌  = with amazement ;  वदति = speak of ;  तथा =  thus ;  एव  also ; च = and ;

अन्यः = others  ।

      आश्चर्यवत्‌  = with amazement ;  च = and ;  एनम्‌  = This ; अन्यः  = others ;

शृणोति  = hear of;

      श्रुत्वा = having heard of ;  अपि = also (despite)  एनम्‌  = This ; वेद  = know of ; न = no ;  

च = and ; एव  = also ; कश्चित्‌ = anyone .

• देही = The Soul ;   नित्यम्‌  = ever, constantly ;  अवध्यः = that which cannot be killed ;  अयम्‌ = This ;  देहे  = in the body ; सर्वस्य  = of all ; भारत = O! Arjuna ।

तस्मात्‌  = therefore ;  सर्वाणि = for all , on behalf of all ;  भूतनि = creatures ;  न  = never ;  त्वम्‌  = you ; शोचितुम्‌  = to grieve ; अर्हसि = warranted.  ॥

• स्वधर्मम्‌  = your own duty ;  अपि च  = and also ; आवेक्ष्य = viewing it as ;  न = not, never विकम्पितुम्‌  = to tremble ; be frightened of ; अर्हसि =( it does not ) merit you or warranted

धर्म्यात्‌  = borne out of Dharma ; हि = indeed ;  युद्धात्‌  = war , battle ; श्रेयः  = superior अन्यत्‌ = any other ; क्षत्रियस्य = for a Kshatriya  न = never ;  विद्यते = exists.

• यदृच्छया  =  As if by chance, unexpected ;   च = and ;   उपपन्नम्‌  = (has) come , happened ; स्वर्गद्वारम्‌  = the doors of heaven ;   अपावृतम्‌ = opened up

सुखिनः = blessed is ;  क्षत्रियाः  = the Kshatriyas ;  पार्थ  = O! Arjuna ; लभन्ते = get ;      युद्धम्‌  = a war ;  ईदृशम्‌  = like this

• अथ = Therefore ;   चेत = if ;   त्वम्‌  = you ;  इमं = this ;   धर्म्यं  =  righteous ; 

सङ्ग्रामं = war, battle ;  न  = do not ; करिष्यसि = perform, engage in;

ततः  = then ; स्वधर्मं  = your duty, your calling ; कीर्तिं = glory ;  च = and ;

हित्वा = destroyed ;  पापम्‌  = sin ;  अवाप्स्यसि = (you will) invite.

• अकीर्तिं  = inglorious,  disgrace ;  च = and ;   अपि = also ;  भूतानि  = people ; 

कथयिष्यन्ति = will talk of ;  ते = about you ;  अव्ययाम्‌  = endlessly, forever.

सम्भावितस्य  = for the dignified people, honourable persons ; च  = and ; 

अकीर्तिः  = disgrace ;  मरणात्‌ =  than death (in battle) ; अतिरिच्यते = is worse

(the literal meaning of this word is surpass and can be used in a negative sense too)

• “ भयात्‌ = out of fear ;   रणात्‌  = from the battle ; उपरतं  = retreated , run away ; “

मंस्यन्ते = will regard ;  त्वाम्‌ = you ;  महारथाः  = Oh Mighty armed (Arjuna);

येषाम्‌  = those who (in whom) ; च  = and ;  त्वम्‌  = you ;  बहुमतो = with great respect ;  भूत्वा = held (existed)  ;  यास्यसि  = ridicule ; लाघवम्‌  = slight, belittle.

• अवाच्य = unspeakable ;  वादान्‌  = words ; च = and ;   बहून्‌  = many  ; 

वदिष्यन्ति = will speak ;   तव = your ;  अहिताः = enemies, opponents.

निन्द्न्तः  = ridiculing ;  तव = your ;  सामर्थ्यं  = abilities ; ततः = than this ;  

दुखतरम्‌ = more sorrowful ;  किम्‌ = what (else is ?)

• हतः = killed ;  वा = if ;  प्राप्स्यसि = attain ; स्वर्गम्‌ = heaven ;   जित्वा = victorious ;  वा = if ; भोक्ष्यसे = enjoy , experience  ;   महीम्‌ = this earth 

तस्मात्‌  = therefore ;  उत्तिष्ठ = arise ; कौन्तेय = O Arjuna ! ; युद्धाय = for war ;  

कृत = becoming ;   निश्चयः = decisive  (the two words together mean “determined”)

• सुखदुःखे = Joy and Sorrow ;  समे = equal ; कृत्वा = making ;  लाभ-अलाभौ = gain and loss ;  जय-अजयौ = victory and defeat  (as also)

ततः = therefore ;   युद्धाय  = for war ;  युज्यस्व = prepare ;  न = not  ; एवम्‌  = this ,

पापम्‌  =  sin ; अवाप्स्यसि = (you will) invite .

• एषा = This ;  ते = to you ;   अभिहिता = taught, imparted ;  साङ्ख्ये = by the learned yogis ;  बुद्धिः = knowledge ;  योगे = on the subject of Karma Yoga ;  तु = now ;   इमाम्‌ = these ;   शृणु  = hear, listen to.

बुद्धया = with (that) knowledge ;  युक्तः  = possessed ; यया  = that ;  पार्थ  = Arjuna ;

कर्मा = of actions, duty ;  बन्धं = bondage ;  प्रहास्यसि = cast off , free yourself from.

• न = not ;  इह  = in this ;  अभिक्रम = undertaking ,venture ;  नाशः = loss ;  अस्ति = (there) is प्रत्यवायः = contrary results (also) ;  न  = does not ; विद्यते = exist  

स्वल्पम्‌  = a little ; अपि = also ; अस्य = of this ;  धर्मस्य = dharma ;  त्रायते = protects (one) महतः  = great, terrible ; भयात्‌  = (from) fears.

• व्यवसायात्मिका  =  determined , purposeful ; बुधि:  = mind , thoughts ; एका = one ( single minded) ;  इह = in this (Karma yoga) ;  कुरुनन्दन = O Arjuna !

बहुशाखा = (many branched), scattered ;  हि  = indeed ;  अनन्ताः = endless ;  च = and; बुद्धयः = the thoughts, mind ; अव्यवसायिनाम्‌ = of the irresolute, of the purposeless.

• याम्‌  = which ; इमाम्‌  = like this ; पुषिताम्‌  = flowery ; वाचम्‌ = speech ;  प्रवदन्ति = deliver, talk ;  अविपश्चितः  = the unwise (those that have not realised the Truth)

वेद-वाद-रताः  = Vedas-debate-enjoy (those who squander their time on debating the Vedas and scriptures);  पार्थ  = O Arjuna! ; न = no ;  अन्यत्‌  = other (business) ; अस्ति = have ; इति = these ;  वादिनः  = talkers (gossipers) .

• कामात्मानः  = the beings engaged in lustful pursuits ; स्वर्गपरा = heaven as the ultimate;   जन्म-कर्म-फल-प्रदाम्‌  = promise of a life that ensures results from rituals;

क्रियाविशेष = special rituals ;   बहुलाम्‌  = many ; भोग ऐश्वर्य = pleasure and prosperity ; गतिं  = leading ; प्रति = towards.

• भोग  = pleasure ;  ऐश्वर्य  = prosperity ; प्रसक्तानाम्‌  = stressing on, emphasising on ;    तया = to these (promises) ;  अपहृत = lured by, captivated by ; चेतसाम्‌  = the mind;

व्यवसाय-आत्मिका-बुद्धिः =  to resolute (purposeful) thoughts ;   समाधौ = (or to) a perfect state ;  न = (are) not ;   विधीयते = destined.

• त्रैगुण्य-विषया = on the subject of the three Gunas or attributes ;  वेदा  = be aware निःत्रैगुण्य  = beyond the Gunas ; भव = be ;  अर्जुन = O Arjuna!

निःद्वन्द्वो =  beyond conflicting emotions ;  नित्यसत्त्व  =  ever in the real ; स्थो = fixed;  निःयोगक्षेम = be not obsessed with the acquisition and preservation of the objects of one’s wellbeing ;  आत्मवान्‌  = engrossed in one’s Inner Self.

• यावान्‌  = to what extent ;  अर्थ  = (is the) use or benefit  ;  उदपाने  = (of) a well ;        सर्वतः  = everywhere (it is) ;  सम्प्लुतः  = flooded  ; उदके = (with)  water  

तावान्‌  = likewise ; सर्वेषु  = of all ; वेदेषु = the Vedas ;  ब्राह्मणस्य  =  to a Brahmin ;  विजानतः  = who has known the Self.

• कर्मणि  = on actions , on performances ;  एव = alone ;  अधिकारः = (have) right or control ते  = you , मा = not ;  फलेषु = over the results ;  कदाचन  = ever.

मा = never ;  कर्म-फल–हेतुः  = for the results of actions ; भूः  =  exist, pursue ; मा  = nor ;  ते  = you ;  सङ्गः = attachment , association ; अस्तु = have with ; अकर्मणि  = inaction.

• योगस्थः  = established in yoga ( be consumed by the act) ; कुरु  = perform ;            कर्माणि = deeds, actions ;  सङ्गं = attachment (to the results) ; त्यक्त्वा  = shedding ; धनञ्जय  = O Arjuna!

सिद्धि-असिद्ध्योः = accomplishments (and) failures ; समः = alike ; भूत्वा = considering ;   समत्वम्‌  = equanimity ; योगा  = yoga (bonding) ; उच्यते = is called, is referred to as.

• दूरेण = entirely ;   हि  = indeed (is) ; अवरम्‌  = low , inferior ;  कर्म = (that) action ;  बुद्धियोगात्‌  = (than or in comparison to) yoga of knowledge (i.e. consumed by the awareness of what one is doing)  ; धनञजय = O Arjuna!

बुद्धौ = in (your) awareness ; शरणम्‌  = refuge ; अन्विच्छ = seek ( be guided by your awareness) ;  कृपणाः  = wretched , miserable (are those) ; फलहेतवः  = (who) crave for the results.

• बुद्धियुक्तः = possessed by awareness ;  जहाति = discard ;  इह  = herein, in this world ; उभे  = the two ; सुकृत-दुष्कृते = good deeds & bad deeds ( i.e. to say, stop being judgemental).

तस्मात्‌  = therefore ;  योगाय = for (towards) attaining the state of oneness ;           युज्यस्व = strive or devote (yourself) ;  योगः  = (that) unison or bonding (with) ;                    कर्मसु  = action ; कौशलम्‌  =  (is) skilfulness or expertise.

• कर्मजम्‌  = (fruits)  born out of  actions ;  बुद्धियुक्ताः  =  a composed person ; हि = indeed;  फलम्‌ = fruits (born out of actions) ; त्यक्त्वा = discarding , disregarding ;  

मनीषिणः  wise men

जन्म-बन्ध-विनिर्मुक्ताः  = birth-bondage-freed of (freed from the bondages of life) ; पदम्‌ = state ; गच्छन्ति = reaches , attains ;  अनामयम्‌  = (that which is) free of disease and sickness, a healthy (state).

• यदा = When ;  ते = your ;  मोहकलिलम्‌  = mired by delusion ; बुद्धिः  = intelligence;  व्यतितरिष्यति  = crosses over  

तदा = then ;   गन्तासि = attains, reaches ;  निर्वेदम्‌  =  a state of detachment (from) श्रोतव्यस्य  = what is yet to be heard of ;  श्रुतस्य = what has been heard of ;  च = and.

• श्रुतिवि = (from) the many things that have been heard ; -प्रतिपन्ना = confused ;  ते = your (mind/ intellect) ; यदा  = when ;  स्थास्यति = stabilises ;  निःचला  = without wavering ;

समाधौ = in the Self ;  अचला = steady ;  बुद्धिः  = (your) intellect ; तदा = then ;  

योगम्‌  = One-ness (with the Self) ; अवाप्स्यसि  = you attain.

अर्जुन उवाच

• स्थित = (a person of) stable ;  -प्रज्ञस्य = intellect ; का  = what is (his) ; 

भाषा = description, identification;  समाधिस्थस्य = the one who is absorbed by the Self ;   केशव  = O Krishna!

स्थित = stable ;-धीः  =  intellect ; किम्‌  = what (does he) ; प्रभाषते  = speak ;  किम्‌ = how (does he) ;  आसीत = sit ;  व्रजेत = walk ;  किम्‌  = how does he.

श्री भगवान उवाच

• प्रजहाति  =  nipping in the bud, aborting ; यदा = when ;  कामान्‌ = desires ;  सर्वान्‌ = all ; पार्थ = O Arjuna ! ;   मनोगतान्‌  = those that pass through the mind (thoughts)

आत्मनि = in the Self ; एव  = alone, only ; आत्मना = oneself ;  तुष्टः = content, happy स्थितप्रज्ञः = of stable intellect ;  तदा = then ; उच्यते = (he is) said to be.

• दुःखेषु  = in sorrows ; अनुद्विग्न = free from anxiety or perplexity ; मनाः = the mind ;  

सुखेषु = in joys , in happiness ;  विगत = distancing oneself from , dissociating from;  स्पृहः  = the pleasures, attachments to the objects of happiness.

वीत-राग-भय-क्रोधः  = freed of – yearning – fear – anger ; स्थित = stable ; धीः = intellect;  मुनिः  = a sage ; उच्यते  = (he is) said to be.

• यः = he who ;  सर्वत्र = in all situations, everywhere;   अनभिस्नेहः = without attachment ;  तत्‌ तत्‌  =  in whatever ; प्राप्य = having received ;  शुभ-अशुभम्‌  = good (or) bad , favourable or unfavourable;

न  = neither ; अभिनन्द्ति = rejoicing ;   न = nor ;  द्वेष्टि  = complaining ; तस्य  = his ; 

प्रज्ञा = mind / intellect ;  प्रतिष्ठिता  = is steady , stable.

• यदा = when ; संहरते = draws in, gathers in ;  च = and ; अयम्‌  = this man ; कूर्मः  = tortoise;  अङ्गानि = (its) limbs ;  इव  = just as ;  सर्वशः  = from all sides ;

इंद्रियाणि  =  all the sense organs ; इन्द्रिय-अर्थेभ्यः  = objects that please the senses;    तस्य  = his (that man’s) ;  प्रज्ञा = mind / intellect ;  प्रातिष्ठिता = is steady, stable.

• विषया = objects providing pleasure ;  विनिवर्तन्ते = abstaining from, ignoring ;    निराहारस्य = of (that person) who fasts or abstains from ;  देहिनः  = (of that) man ;

रस-वर्जम्‌  = the residual after-taste (of the pleasures) that remains ; रसः  = (that) after-taste ; अपि  = also ; अस्य  = his ; परम्‌ = the Supreme ;  दृष्ट्वा = on getting a vision of (the Supreme) ;  निवर्तते  = leaves.

• यततो  = the persevering person;  हि  = indeed ; अपि  = also ;  कौन्तेय  = O Arjuna! ;  पुरुषस्य  = of that man ; विपश्चितः = wise , knowledgeable ;

इन्द्रियाणि = the senses ;  प्रमाथीनि = create a turbulence ;  हरन्ति = defeat, subjugate; प्रसभम्‌  = forcibly, violently ; मनः  = the mind .

• तानि  = these ;  सर्वाणि = all (all these turbulent forces) ;  संयम्य = bringing under control;  युक्त = with single minded determination ;  आसीत = sit, be firm ;   मत्परः = regarding me as the ultimate goal.

वशे  = under control ;  हि = indeed (are) ; यस्य = whose ;   इन्द्रियाणि senses ;  तस्य = his प्रज्ञा  =  Mind/intellect (is) ;  प्रतिष्ठिता  = stable.

• ध्यायतः =obsessed with ; विषयान्‌ = the objects that please the senses ;  पुंसः = that man सङ्गः  = attachment ;  तेषु = towards those (objects) ; उपजायते  = gives rise to.

सङ्गात्‌  = from attachment  ; सञ्जायते = is born, arises ;  कामः  = desires ;

कामात्‌ = from desires ;  क्रोधः = anger ;  अभिजायते = springs up.

• क्रोधात्‌  = from anger ; भवति = occurs ; सम्मोहः = disillusion, confusion ;   सम्मोहात्‌  = from a confused mind ;  स्म्रिति-विभ्रमः  = reason goes haywire, memory loss;

स्म्रिति-भ्रंशात्‌ = from lack of reasoning ability ;  बुद्धि-नाशः  =  thinking capacity ceases;  बुध्दिनाशात्‌  = without rationality ; प्रणश्यति = (he) destroys (himself).

• राग-द्वेष‌-वियुक्तैः  = attraction-repulsion-free from ; तु = even if ;   

विषयान = amongst the sense objects ;  इन्द्रियैः  = the senses ; चरन्‌ = move about .

आत्म-वश्यैः = having control over oneself ;  विधेय-आत्मा = man of self control ; 

प्रसादम्‌  = clarity, purity , tranquillity ; अधिगच्छति = attains .

• प्रसादे = from such clarity of thought ;  सर्व  = all ; दुःखानाम्  = (of his) sorrows ;  

हानिः = loss ,end , cessation ; अस्य = his ;  उपजायते  = occurs

प्रसन्न-चेतसः  = (of a) joyful mind ;  हि  = indeed ; आशु  =  soon ; बुद्धिः  = intellect ; 

परि-अवतिष्ठ्ते  = on the Ultimate-gets established.

• न  = does not ; अस्ति  = exist ; बुद्धिः =  intellect , reason ; अयुक्तस्य = of the agitated mind;  न  = nor ; च = and ; अयुक्तस्य  = of an agitated mind ; भावना = belief, conviction ; 

न  = nor does ; च = and ; अभावयतः  =  one without faith ; शांतिः  = peace ; अशान्तस्य = for the restless person , someone lacking peace ;  कुतः  = where is ; सुखम्‌  = happiness

• इंद्रियाणाम्‌  = amongst the objects providing pleasure to the senses ; हि  = indeed ; चरताम्‌  = wandering, grazing ; यत्‌  = he whose ; मनः  = mind ;

अनु-विधीयते = is attached to;  

तदस्य  =  तत्‌ + अस्य =  that + his ; हरति  = overpowers ;  प्रज्ञाम्‌  = discrimination ; 

वायुः  = the wind ; नावम्‌  = a boat ; इव = like, just as ;  अम्भसि  = on the water.

• तस्मात्‌ = therefore ; यस्य = he whose ;  महाबाहः = O mighty Armed  (Arjuna) ;  

निगृहीतानि = retracted , pulled back ;  सर्वशः = from all sides;

इन्द्रियाणि  = the senses ; इन्द्रिय-अर्थेभ्यः = from the objects that please the senses ;  

तस्य  = his ; प्रज्ञा  =  awareness ; discerning ability ; प्रतिष्ठिता = is stable.

• या  =  that which ;  निशा = (is) darkness , unknown or unexplored ;   

सर्व-भूतानाम्‌ = for all other beings ;  तस्याम्‌  = in that ; जागर्ति = awakens ;  

संयमी  = the man of self control, one who is composed.

यस्याम्‌  = that in which ; जाग्रति = the mind is excited about ;  भूतानि  = of all beings ;

सा  = that ;  निशा = (is) not to be known or not to be explored ;

 पश्यतः = (for) the one who has had a vision ;  मुनेः  = (for) the sage

• आपूर्यमाणम्‌  =  (despite being) saturated with ; अचल-प्रतिष्ठम्‌  = unmoving-stability

समुद्रम्‌  = the ocean ; आपः  (by) the water (rivers) ;

प्रविश्यन्ति = that enter (the ocean)  ;  यद्वत्‌  = just as.

      तद्वत्‌  = likewise ; कामा = the sensual pleasures ; यम्‌  =  to whom (the man of self         control ; प्रविशन्ति  = enters ; सर्वे  = all

            सः = he (alone) ;  शान्तिम्‌  = peace ; आप्नोति = attains ;  न  = (and) not ;

                        कामकामि = the one who yearns for sensual pleasures.

• विहाय  = discarding ; कामान्‌ = (all) desires ;  यः = he who ; सर्वान्‌  = all ; पुमान्‌  = that man ; चरति = moves forth, lives.

निः-मम:  =  without the feeling of “I” (ego less) ; निः-अहङ्कारः = without pride or vanity ; सः  = he ; शान्तिम्‌  = to peace ; अधिगच्छति  =  goes towards.

• एषा  = this is ; ब्राह्मी = the Brahmic ;  स्थितिः  = state ; पार्थ = O Arjuna! ;  न  = not 

एनाम्‌ = this ; प्राप्य = having attained ;  विमुह्यति = will one be carried away by desires.

स्थित्वा  = having established (one self) or attained ; अस्याम्‌  = in this (state) ;

अन्तकाले = (till) the end ;  अपि  = also ; ब्रह्म-निर्वाणम्‌  = dissolution into the Brahman ; (become one with the Supreme) ; ऋच्छति = attains.

साङ्ख्य योगो नाम

द्वितीयो अध्यायः

Saankhya literally means “relating to numbers”. Hence figuratively it means “rational” or “discriminative”. Hence Saankhya Philosophy can be interpreted as Logical Realism.