Bhagavad Gita 2.55 — The Person of Steady Wisdom Is Satisfied in the Self by the Self
श्रीभगवानुवाच।
प्रजहाति यदा कामान्सर्वान्पार्थ मनोगतान्।
आत्मन्येवात्मना तुष्टः स्थितप्रज्ञस्तदोच्यते॥ २.५५॥
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The Blessed Lord said: O Partha, when a person completely casts off all desires of the mind and is satisfied in the Self by the Self alone, then he is said to be of steady wisdom.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| prajahāti | completely casts off, gives up |
| yadā | when |
| kāmān | desires |
| sarvān | all |
| pārtha | O Arjuna, son of Pritha |
| manogatān | of the mind, present in the mind |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| ātmani | in the Self |
| eva | only |
| ātmanā | by the Self, by the mind purified |
| tuṣhṭaḥ | satisfied, content |
| sthitaprajñaḥ | one of steady wisdom |
| tadā | then |
| uchyate | is said, is called |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| prajahāti | completely casts off, gives up | ātmani | in the Self |
| yadā | when | eva | only |
| kāmān | desires | ātmanā | by the Self, by the mind purified |
| sarvān | all | tuṣhṭaḥ | satisfied, content |
| pārtha | O Arjuna, son of Pritha | sthitaprajñaḥ | one of steady wisdom |
| manogatān | of the mind, present in the mind | tadā | then |
| uchyate | is said, is called | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In answering Arjuna's question, Lord Krishna begins with the deepest characteristic of the person of steady wisdom. Such a person has given up all desires that arise in the mind and is satisfied in the Self by the Self. The verse points to inner contentment as the root of everything else that will be described.
Essence
Giving up desires of the mind
Lord Krishna says prajahāti yadā kāmān sarvān pārtha manogatān. When a person completely gives up all the desires that exist in the mind. The word prajahāti suggests a thorough abandonment. The word manogatān clarifies that these are the desires located in the mind, the endless wants that arise and demand satisfaction.
It is helpful to note that Krishna does not say that such a person has no needs or that the body has no requirements. The desires renounced are those that disturb the mind and make its peace conditional on getting something. Basic needs can be met without the mind being enslaved by craving.
Ātmany evātmanā tuṣṭaḥ
The central phrase is ātmany evātmanā tuṣṭaḥ, 'content in the Self alone by the Self.' This is a remarkable statement about where satisfaction comes from.
Ātmani (in the Self): The person finds fulfilment in their own true nature, not in external objects or achievements.
Ātmanā (by the Self): The contentment does not depend on another person or thing. It arises from within and is self-sustaining.
Tuṣṭaḥ (satisfied): The word describes a deep, quiet sense of fullness. It is not the excitement of a new acquisition but a settled completeness.
Why this is the foundation
If satisfaction depends on external things, the mind will always be chasing something, anxious about losing it, and disappointed when it changes. A person who is content within is free from this cycle. Their steadiness in the situations described in the following verses, such as pain, pleasure, and fear, flows from this inner source.
Message for Everyday Life (Cultivating Inner Contentment)
Advertising, social comparison, and constant striving suggest that satisfaction lies in the next purchase or achievement.
Notice the moments of 'enough': Pay attention to times when you feel complete without adding anything, and value them.
Reduce the demand list: Review your wants and ask which ones actually contribute to peace and which are merely restless habits.
Giving up desires of the mind
Lord Krishna says prajahāti yadā kāmān sarvān pārtha manogatān. When a person completely gives up all the desires that exist in the mind. The word prajahāti suggests a thorough abandonment. The word manogatān clarifies that these are the desires located in the mind, the endless wants that arise and demand satisfaction.
It is helpful to note that Krishna does not say that such a person has no needs or that the body has no requirements. The desires renounced are those that disturb the mind and make its peace conditional on getting something. Basic needs can be met without the mind being enslaved by craving.
Ātmany evātmanā tuṣṭaḥ
The central phrase is ātmany evātmanā tuṣṭaḥ, 'content in the Self alone by the Self.' This is a remarkable statement about where satisfaction comes from.
Ātmani (in the Self): The person finds fulfilment in their own true nature, not in external objects or achievements.
Ātmanā (by the Self): The contentment does not depend on another person or thing. It arises from within and is self-sustaining.
Tuṣṭaḥ (satisfied): The word describes a deep, quiet sense of fullness. It is not the excitement of a new acquisition but a settled completeness.
Why this is the foundation
If satisfaction depends on external things, the mind will always be chasing something, anxious about losing it, and disappointed when it changes. A person who is content within is free from this cycle. Their steadiness in the situations described in the following verses, such as pain, pleasure, and fear, flows from this inner source.
Message for Everyday Life (Cultivating Inner Contentment)
Advertising, social comparison, and constant striving suggest that satisfaction lies in the next purchase or achievement.
Notice the moments of 'enough': Pay attention to times when you feel complete without adding anything, and value them.
Reduce the demand list: Review your wants and ask which ones actually contribute to peace and which are merely restless habits.
Next Topic
Krishna has said that the person of steady wisdom is content within the Self, having renounced the desires of the mind. He now describes how this inner contentment appears in a person's responses to life's ups and downs. In the next verse He speaks of one who is undisturbed in sorrow, free from craving in pleasure, and free from attachment, fear, and anger.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Happiness found within is yours to keep.
A mind with fewer demands has more peace.
Be satisfied in who you are, not in what you have.
A steady mind needs nothing to be steady.
Fullness comes from within.
No craving, no captivity.
The wellspring is inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'kāma' (desire) mean here?
What does 'ātmany evātmanā tuṣhṭaḥ' (satisfied in the Self by the Self) mean?
What does 'manogata' (of the mind) imply?
Who is a 'sthitaprajña' (person of steady wisdom)?
Does this mean a wise person has no goals?
Explore related topics
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