श्रीभगवानुवाच प्रजहाति यदा कामान् सर्वान् पार्थ मनोगतान्। आत्मन्येवात्मना तुष्टः स्थितप्रज्ञस्तदोच्यते।।2.55।।
shri-bhagavan uvacha prajahati yadaa kaaman sarvan paartha manogataam. aatmany eva aatmanaa tussatah sthita-prajnah tada uchyate.
Translation
The Supreme Lord said: O Partha, when one discards all selfish desires and cravings of the senses that torment the mind, and becomes satisfied in the realization of the self, such a person is said to be transcendentally situated.
Word Meanings
śrī-bhagavān uvāca — the Supreme Personality of Godhead said; prajahāti — gives up; yadā — when; kāmān — desires for sense gratification; sarvān — of all varieties; pārtha — O son of Pṛthā; manogatān — of mental concoction; ātmany — in the pure state of the soul; eva — certainly; ātmana — by the purified mind; tuṣṭaḥ — satisfied; sthita-prajñaḥ — transcendentally situated; tadā — at that time; ucyate — is said.
Understanding the Verse
Verse 55 of Chapter 2 marks a pivotal moment in the Gita’s philosophical discourse. It follows the earlier verses where Krishna explains that the true self (ātman) is untouched by the fleeting experiences of pleasure and pain. Here, the focus shifts to the practical process of relinquishing worldly cravings. The term prajahāti ("gives up") signifies an active, conscious abandonment rather than a passive neglect. It is not merely the cessation of external actions but an internal transformation where the mind no longer clings to desires (kāma).
The phrase manogatān ("of mental concoction") captures how desires are not just physical urges but mental fabrications that distract the intellect. By recognizing these as mental constructs, a practitioner can observe them dispassionately and let them dissolve. This aligns with the broader Gita teaching that the mind is a battlefield; the victory is achieved not through force but through discerning observation and surrender.
The verse also emphasizes the notion of self‑satisfaction (ātmany evātmana tuṣṭaḥ). Satisfaction is attained not through external achievements or sensory gratifications, but through the inner realization that one’s true nature is already complete. This inner contentment is a hallmark of a sthita‑prajña (transcendentally situated person). Such a person’s wisdom is steady (sthita) and rooted in the knowledge (prajña) that the self is beyond the reach of material change.
Krishna’s address to Arjuna as "Pārtha" serves a dual purpose. It reminds Arjuna of his lineage (son of Pritha) while also pointing to the broader humanity: every seeker, regardless of background, faces the same internal tug‑of‑war between desire and detachment. The guidance is universal – the path to liberation consists of discarding all cravings and resting in the inner self.
From a practical standpoint, this verse encourages a disciplined practice of self‑inquiry (ātma‑vicāra) and mindfulness. By continuously observing the arising of desires and consciously allowing them to pass, the practitioner cultivates a state of equipoise. Over time, the mind becomes less reactive, and the soul experiences the peace that is described as "transcendentally situated."
In summary, Chapter 2, Verse 55 encapsulates the Gita’s core message: liberation is achieved through the surrender of ego‑driven desires and the abiding in the self‑realization. It provides a roadmap for transforming the restless mind into a serene witness, thereby qualifying one as a true seeker of the eternal truth.
