Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 66 (BG 2.66) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

The scriptures emphasize peace of mind for a profound reason, which is made clear here. Without mental peace, the intellect lacks the capacity for the contemplation necessary for cultural and spiritual development. In the absence of peace, there is no intellectual readiness to understand life's problems, and thus no opportunity remains to properly evaluate life and pursue self-knowledge and meditation. Just as the Pole Star guides navigation, without a great purpose in life, our existence drifts like a ship lost at sea, ultimately colliding with some great rock and being destroyed. A person without aim and direction never attains peace, and how can such an unquiet person ever know happiness? Whether the ocean of life presents calm or turbulent waves, we must maintain equanimity, and the goal of ultimate purpose must never be lost from our sight. Just as a dancer's feet cannot maintain rhythm and movement without a drummer to guide them, so too the undisciplined person—one without self-restraint—cannot attain knowledge. Listen, why does the person without discipline not gain wisdom?