Chapter 2, Verse 63
Sankhya Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
krodhāt—from anger; bhavati—comes; sammohaḥ—clouding of judgement; sammohāt—from clouding of judgement; smṛiti—memory; vibhramaḥ—bewilderment; smṛiti-bhranśhāt—from bewilderment of memory; buddhi-nāśhaḥ—destruction of intellect; buddhi-nāśhāt—from destruction of intellect; praṇaśhyati—one is ruined
English translation
Anger leads to delusion, which causes loss of memory; this, in turn, leads to the destruction of discrimination, resulting in destruction.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 2.63
Commentary
From anger arises delusion. When a man becomes angry he loses his power of discrimination between right and wrong. He will speak and do anything he likes. He will be swept away by the impulse of passion and emotion and will act irrationally.
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
Simple Meaning
From anger arises delusion; from delusion confusion of memory; from confusion of memory loss of intellect; and from loss of intellect one is ruined.
Context & Background
Krishna completes the explanation of mental ruin caused by uncontrolled anger and desire.
Key Philosophical Teaching
Anger destroys discrimination (Buddhi). Without discrimination, a person acts destructively and ruins their life.
Practical Application
Never make major decisions or speak in anger. Step back until the intellect regains its clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does anger ruin a person according to BG 2.63?
Anger causes delusion, which impairs memory and destroys the rational intellect (Buddhi).
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