yoga-sthaḥ kuru karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā dhanañjaya
siddhy-asiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā samatvaṁ yoga uchyate
yoga-sthaḥ — being steadfast in yog;
kuru — perform;
karmāṇi — duties;
saṅgam — attachment;
tyaktvā — having abandoned;
dhanañjaya — Arjun;
siddhi-asiddhyoḥ — in success and failure;
samaḥ — equipoised;
bhūtvā — becoming;
samatvam — equanimity;
yogaḥ — Yog;
uchyate — is called
In this verse, Krishna is giving important advice to Arjuna, who is feeling confused and overwhelmed about his duty to fight in a battle. Here’s what Krishna means in simpler terms:
1. **Steadfast in Yoga**: Krishna tells Arjuna to stay focused and committed to yoga, which is not just about physical exercise but about keeping your mind steady and connected to the Supreme or God. He wants Arjuna to remain calm and centered, especially in hard times.
2. **Perform Your Duty**: Every person has responsibilities or duties based on their role in life. For Arjuna, as a warrior (Kshatriya), his duty is to fight. Krishna is reminding him to do what he is supposed to do without hesitation.
3. **Abandon Attachment**: Krishna advises Arjuna to let go of being too attached to the results of his actions, like winning or losing in battle. He means that while fighting, Arjuna shouldn’t worry about whether he will win or lose because it can distract him from doing his best. Instead, focus on doing your duty properly.
4. **Equal Mindset**: What Krishna calls 'evenness of mind' means to remain calm and balanced, whether things are going well (success) or not (failure). This is crucial because when you attach yourself too much to winning or losing, it can cloud your judgment and affect your ability to act wisely. For example, if you expect a specific result and it doesn’t happen, you might feel depressed or anxious. But by being even-minded, you can keep working without being shaken by the outcomes.
5. **Real Yoga**: True yoga, according to Krishna, is about maintaining this balance and being focused on your responsibilities without getting caught up in outcomes. It’s about connecting with God and acting according to divine guidance. For Arjuna, fighting well and staying true to his path is a form of yoga. Krishna encourages him to act based on his teachings and not worry about success or failure because these are out of his control.
6. **Act Without Ego**: Finally, to follow Krishna’s words properly, Arjuna (and anyone else) should remember that success or failure does not define them; they are simply doing their best according to a higher will. This helps in reducing personal pride and expectations. It’s about working as a service to a higher purpose rather than for personal gain.
In summary, this verse emphasizes acting with duty and devotion without being overly concerned about the results. It teaches that by focusing on our responsibilities and keeping a balanced attitude, we can live a life of purpose, peace, and connection with the divine.