kāma-krodha-viyuktānāṁ yatīnāṁ yata-chetasām
abhito brahma-nirvāṇaṁ vartate viditātmanām
kāma — desires;
krodha — anger;
vimuktānām — of those who are liberated;
yatīnām — of the saintly persons;
yata-chetasām — those self-realized persons who have subdued their mind;
abhitaḥ — from every side;
brahma — spiritual;
nirvāṇam — liberation from material existence;
vartate — exists;
vidita-ātmanām — of those who are self-realized
In this verse, the focus is on people who have worked hard to control their anger and let go of material desires, like wanting things for themselves. These individuals are referred to as ‘self-realized’ or ‘yogis,’ meaning they have a clear understanding of who they really are beyond just their physical existence. They are disciplined and strive for continuous improvement in their spiritual journey.
The verse suggests that these people are on a sure path toward liberation, which means they can break free from the struggles and pain of everyday life and ultimately connect with a higher spiritual existence.
The interpretation highlights that among those who are dedicated to seeking salvation, the ones who keep their minds focused on Krishna, or God, are seen as the best. This comes from a teaching that even the wisest sages often find it hard to fully control their desires for worldly rewards. It's like having an itch you just can’t scratch; even though they are wise, these desires are hard to get rid of completely.
However, a true devotee—someone who consistently engages in practices that honor and connect them with God—achieves liberation more quickly. This is because they understand their spiritual identity and can meditate deeply on their relationship with God.
To explain this further, there’s an analogy involving fish and tortoises. Fish protect their young by just watching over them in the water, but tortoises care for their eggs in a deeper, more thoughtful way. When tortoises lay their eggs on land, they stay in the water but focus their minds on their eggs. This way of nurturing is like how a devotee thinks of God: they keep their minds on the Lord, which helps them connect spiritually, even if they are not physically near Him.
As a result, this devoted person doesn't experience the usual suffering associated with everyday life. This state of being is known as ‘brahma-nirvana,’ which is a fancy term for a peaceful existence free of worldly troubles. It comes from their deep and continual immersion in their connection with the Supreme.
In simple terms, this verse teaches us that by controlling our desires and anger, being self-disciplined, and constantly focusing on what is truly important, we can reach a state of peace and happiness that lifts us above the struggles of everyday living.