Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 57 (BG 2.57) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

# BG 2.57 Like a skilled painter filled with inspiration who repeatedly steps back from his canvas to view his work, and with deep affection enhances its beauty with each brushstroke through various colors, so too does Lord Krishna paint the portrait of the wise person upon Arjuna's heart. Here, through carefully chosen words, He illuminates the various dimensions of the wise person's character. This verse describes the non-attachment of one established in steady wisdom. It must be understood properly in context, lest one misinterpret its meaning. Detachment from life alone cannot be a sign of true discernment. Many foolish enthusiasts abandon their duties in life and flee to forests, hoping that such renunciation will lead them to their goal. Arjuna too initially wished to do this. It was to dissuade him from this ruinous decision that the Lord began His teaching. Merely withdrawing from destructive entanglement with objects and foolish attachment does not lead to the attainment of the highest divine goal. Along with detachment from external objects, there must also be inner equilibrium of mind to face all circumstances. The absence of excessive joy at gain and the absence of aversion and sorrow at loss—these are the marks of the self-realized person. Non-attachment in itself is not the path to a superior life, for it would be seen as constant flight from life. Similarly, attachment to the world is a sign of bondage. The wise person possesses neither of these—he remains equanimous in all circumstances that life brings. In winter, the warmth of the sun outside one's home brings joy, yet its brightness causes discomfort. To express dissatisfaction with the sun's brightness destroys the joy of its warmth. The wise person either pays no attention to the brightness or enjoys the warmth while protecting himself from the glare. Our life too is a mixture of good and evil. This is its very nature. Therefore, to constantly express dissatisfaction with the evil, flee from it, and crave for the good—this is possible only through lack of discernment. The wise person, being established in his eternal nature, remains in perfect detachment amid both the exalted and base circumstances of life. Arjuna had asked how one established in steady wisdom speaks. This verse is the answer. For the wise person, completely free from the dualities of good and evil, joy and sorrow, all things are beautiful. Without projecting his own imaginings, he perceives things as they truly are. Such a person established in steady wisdom transcends all the laws of behavior known to Western psychology.