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Chapter 5 • Verse 20
The Yoga of Renunciation
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna describes the yogi who is established in Brahman: one with steady intellect (sthira-buddhiḥ), not deluded (asammūḍhaḥ), who knows Brahman (brahma-vit) and is established (sthitaḥ) in Brahman (brahmaṇi). Such a person does not rejoice (na prahṛṣyet) on obtaining what is pleasant (priyaṁ prāpya), nor is agitated (na udvijet) on obtaining what is unpleasant (apriyam prāpya). This is the practical sign of being established in Brahman—equanimity in pleasure and pain. The yogi doesn't get excited by success or depressed by failure—they remain steady because they're established in Brahman, which is beyond dualities. This is the state of true karma yoga—acting in the world while remaining unaffected by its dualities.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
This verse describes the practical sign of being established in Brahman: the yogi doesn't rejoice in pleasure or get agitated by pain. They remain steady because they're established in Brahman, which is beyond dualities. This is the state of true karma yoga—acting in the world while remaining unaffected by its dualities. You don't need to avoid pleasure or pain—you need to remain steady in both. The yogi acts in the world but isn't pulled by its dualities because they're established in Brahman, which is beyond pleasure and pain.
Personal Reflection
Do you rejoice in pleasure and get agitated by pain? Or do you remain steady in both? Where are you pulled by dualities instead of remaining established in Brahman?
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