Chapter 2, Verse 56
Sankhya Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
duḥkheṣhu—amidst miseries; anudvigna-manāḥ—one whose mind is undisturbed; sukheṣhu—in pleasure; vigata-spṛihaḥ—without craving; vīta—free from; rāga—attachment; bhaya—fear; krodhaḥ—anger; sthita-dhīḥ—enlightened person; muniḥ—a sage; uchyate—is called
English translation
He whose mind is not shaken by adversity, who does not long for pleasures, and is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 2.56
Commentary
Lord Krishna gives His answer to the second part of Arjunas question as to the conduct of a sage of steady wisdom in the 56th; 57th and 58th verses. The mind of a sage of steady wisdom is not distressed in calamities. He is not affected by the three afflictions (Taapas) -- Adhyatmika (arising from diseases or disorders in ones own body); Adhidaivika (arising from thunder; lightning; storm; flood; etc.); and Adhibhautika (arising from scorpions; cobras; tigers; etc.). When he is placed in an affluent condition he does not long for sensual pleasures. (Cf. IV.10).
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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