अहङ्कारं बलं दर्पं कामं क्रोधं परिग्रहम्।विमुच्य निर्ममः शान्तो ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते।।18.53।।
ahaṅkāraṁ balaṁ darpaṁ kāmaṁ krodhaṁ parigrahaṁ. vimucya nirmamaḥ śānto brahmbhūyāya kalpate.
Translation
Relinquishing egotism, strength, pride, desire, wrath, and the sense of possession, he who is unselfish and tranquil becomes capable of attaining Brahman.
Word Meanings
अहङ्कारं — अहंकारः, अहंभावः; बलं — शक्ति, शक्ति-शक्ति; दर्पं — गर्वः, अभिमानः; कामं — इच्छाऽभिरुचि, लोभः; क्रोधं — रोषः, रोषः; परिग्रहम् — स्वार्थः, आसक्ति; विमुच्य — मुक्तः, विमोचितः; निर्ममः — निरापराधी, अनासक्त; शान्तो — शान्ति, प्रशान्त; ब्रह्मभूयाय — ब्रह्मत्वाय, परमात्मा‑स्थितिकरणाय; कल्पते — सम्भवति, युक्तः
Understanding the Verse
In this concluding verse of the Gītā, Krishna encapsulates the ultimate path to the highest spiritual state – becoming Brahman. The verse lists six fundamental human vices: ahaṅkāra (egoism), bala (force or violent power), darpa (pride or arrogance), kāma (sensual desire), krodha (anger) and parigraha (the sense of possession or material attachment). These traits are traditionally identified as the root causes of samsara, the endless cycle of birth and death. By naming them together, the text emphasizes that they are not isolated flaws but interconnected aspects of a single obstructive pattern that binds the soul to worldly illusion.
The verb "vimucy" (having released) signals a decisive renunciation. It is not a mere superficial denial but a deep inner dispassion where the mind no longer identifies with these lower impulses. The release is an active, conscious process that requires self‑awareness, disciplined practice, and divine grace. When one truly lets go, the qualities ‘nirmama’ (free from enmity or selfishness) and ‘śānta’ (calm, serene) naturally arise. These are the hallmarks of a purified consciousness that no longer reacts with anger or desire but rests in an equanimous state.
The phrase “brahmbhūyāya kalpate” conveys that the state of being Brahman becomes possible or plausible for such a person. The word “kalpate” here does not imply a simple wish but a genuine capacity that emerges from inner transformation. In other words, the removal of these six obstacles creates a spiritual field where the divine nature of the self can be realized. This aligns with the earlier teachings that the Self (Atman) is already Brahman; it merely needs the veils of ego, desire, and attachment to be lifted. When the veils are cleared, the innate Brahman‑nature shines forth.
The verse also contrasts the two kinds of strength: the external, aggressive power (bala) that fuels conflict, and the internal, serene strength (śānta) that sustains liberation. The transition from violent power to calm inner power is central to the Gītā’s message: true power is not exercised over others but over one's own mind. By relinquishing the former and cultivating the latter, the aspirant attains the ultimate goal – the realization of oneness with Brahman, which is the final aim of all yogic practice. This synthesis of renunciation and inner peace offers a concise yet profound roadmap for seekers at any stage of their spiritual journey.
