Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 33 (BG 18.33) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

# BG 18.33 — The Nature of Steadfastness In the section under consideration, three types of steadfastness (dhrti) are described. That capacity of a human being through which he does not allow his desired and determined goal to slip from his sight is called steadfastness. With the aid of this faculty of retention, he maintains continuity of purpose even when mountain-like obstacles arise on the path to his goal. Steadfastness depicts our objective, keeps it ever before our vision, makes us industrious, and when hindrances appear, it organizes within us such hidden powers that we may face those obstacles with courage, valor, and fortitude. By the word steadfastness, all these meanings should be understood. This faculty of retention—steadfastness—which is capable of bestowing upon a human being consciousness, dignity, and unprecedented success in life, is not found in those indulgent persons who are ever absorbed in sensory pleasures and in whom self-restraint is entirely absent. Steadfastness is not possible in persons of fragmented personality who entertain contrary thoughts and live a false life. Here, steadfastness is classified into three categories according to the three gunas: sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic. Yet in all of them, the noteworthy point is that steadfastness means retention itself—that faculty by which different individuals firmly hold to the goal determined by their intellect. That steadfastness by which a seeker restrains his mind, senses, and their activities through yogic practice and focused meditation upon a single goal is sattvic steadfastness. The action-senses and knowledge-senses are naturally inclined toward objects of sense. Only the mind can restrain them. Yet for this work of restraint, the mind must obtain necessary strength and enthusiasm, which requires the presence of a goal. For withdrawal from lower pleasures, the goal must also be lofty and supreme; otherwise, sense-restraint is impossible. Therefore, Lord Sri Krishna here places special emphasis on the indispensability of meditation yoga. Through the practice of unbroken self-inquiry, the seeker attains stability and balance, peace and contentment. By their power alone can he succeed in sense-restraint. Yet the root of all these attainments is steadfastness—the power of retention or forbearance. That steadfastness which aids in the attainment of the supreme goal is called sattvic steadfastness.