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

2.66 न not? अस्ति is? बुद्धिः knowledge (of the Self)? अयुक्तस्य of the unsteady? न not? च and? अयुक्तस्य of the unsteady? भावना meditation? न not? च and? अभावयतः of the unmeditated? शान्तिः peace? अशान्तस्य of the peaceless? कुतः whence? सुखम् happiness.Commentary The man who cannot fix his mind in meditation cannot have knowledge of the Self. The unsteady man cannot practise meditation. He cannot have even intense devotion to Selfknowledge nor can he have burning longing for liberation or Moksha. He who does not practise meditation cannot possess peace of mind. How can the man who has no peace of mind enjoy happinessDesire or Trishna (thirsting for senseobjects) is the enemy of peace. There cannot be an iota or tinge of happiness for a man who is thirsting for sensual objects. The mind will be ever restless? and will be hankering for the objects. Only when this thirsting dies? does man enjoy peace. Only then can he meditate and rest in the Self.

Commentaries

Contemporary scholarly and practical interpretations for modern seekers.

This interpretation draws on a specific tradition and may not represent the view of any single school. For authoritative guidance within a specific tradition, seek a qualified teacher.

Modern

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?