Bhagavad Gita 5.23 — The Yogi Who Endures the Impulses of Desire and Anger
शक्नोतीहैव यः सोढुं प्राक्शरीरविमोक्षणात् ।
कामक्रोधोद्भवं वेगं स युक्तः स सुखी नरः ॥ ५.२३ ॥
A person who, while still living in this world and before death, is able to withstand the powerful impulses arising from desire and anger is truly established in yoga. Such a person alone is genuinely happy and inwardly free.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| śaknoti | is able |
| iha | here in this life |
| eva | itself |
| yaḥ | who |
| soḍhum | to withstand |
| prāk | before |
| śarīravimokṣaṇāt | the departure from the body |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| kāmakrodhodbhavam | arising from desire and anger |
| vegam | the impulse, force |
| saḥ | he |
| yuktaḥ | is a true yogi |
| saḥ | he |
| sukhī | happy |
| naraḥ | person |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| śaknoti | is able | kāmakrodhodbhavam | arising from desire and anger |
| iha | here in this life | vegam | the impulse, force |
| eva | itself | saḥ | he |
| yaḥ | who | yuktaḥ | is a true yogi |
| soḍhum | to withstand | saḥ | he |
| prāk | before | sukhī | happy |
| śarīravimokṣaṇāt | the departure from the body | naraḥ | person |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna highlights the power of self-mastery. He declares that the one who can withstand the force of desire and anger while still living in this body is the true Yogi and the truly happy person.
Essence
Mastering desire and anger
Here, Lord Krishna presents one of the clearest measures of spiritual maturity.
Kāma-krodhodbhavaṁ vegam: Desire and anger are among the most powerful forces that disturb the human mind. When left unchecked, they cloud judgment and drive people toward impulsive actions they later regret.
Prāk śarīra-vimokṣaṇāt: Liberation is not something to be postponed until after death. Lord Krishna teaches that freedom must be achieved while we are still living by learning to master these inner impulses.
Soḍhuṁ śaknoti: The teaching is not about suppressing emotions but about patiently enduring, understanding, and rising above them without becoming their slave. The seeker observes desire and anger without allowing them to dictate behaviour.
Sa yuktaḥ sa sukhī naraḥ: The person who gains mastery over these inner forces is truly united in Yoga. Such happiness is no longer dependent on changing emotions or external situations.
Message for our lives
This verse offers a practical definition of genuine self-control.
Pause before reacting: Many conflicts arise because we immediately act under the influence of desire or anger. A brief pause guided by wisdom can prevent lasting regret.
The strength of self-mastery: Real power is not found in controlling other people or circumstances, but in mastering one's own mind. Such discipline becomes the foundation of lasting happiness, healthy relationships, and spiritual progress.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has explained that true happiness belongs to the one who has mastered desire and anger. In the next verse, He describes the inner state of such a person, who finds joy, peace, and light entirely within.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Mastering yourself is greater than mastering circumstances.
Real strength is the ability to pause before reacting.
An impulse lasts a moment; its consequences may last much longer.
Character is built in moments of temptation and provocation.
The person who controls anger protects inner peace.
Inner victory over desire and anger opens the path to higher realization.
The best leaders first learn to lead themselves.