नास्ति बुद्धिरयुक्तस्य न चायुक्तस्य भावना। न चाभावयतः शान्तिरशान्तस्य कुतः सुखम्।।2.66।।
na asti buddhiḥ ayuktasya na ca ayuktasya bhāvanā; na ca abhāvayataḥ śāntiḥ aśāntasya kutaḥ sukham
Translation
There is no intelligence for one who is not united, nor steady contemplation for the unattached; likewise, there is no peace for the one who is not fixed, and how can the unpeaceful be happy?
Word Meanings
na asti — there cannot be; buddhiḥ — intellect, wisdom; ayuktasya — of one who is not united (with Krishna consciousness); na — not; ca — and; ayuktasya — of one devoid of Krishna consciousness; bhāvanā — fixed mind, steady contemplation; na — not; ca — and; abhāvayataḥ — of one who is not fixed; śāntiḥ — peace; aśāntasya — of the unpeaceful; kutaḥ — where; sukham — happiness, bliss
Understanding the Verse
Verse 2.66 of the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the essential role of a disciplined mind in attaining true happiness. Krishna points out that a person who has not established a connection with the Divine, or who has not harmonized the intellect (buddhi) with spiritual consciousness, lacks the capacity for firm wisdom. The term ‘ayuktasya’ signifies the state of being disconnected from Krishna’s presence; such disconnection leads to a scattered intellect that cannot discern the higher truth. Consequently, this person cannot develop ‘bhāvanā’, the steady, focused contemplation required for spiritual progress.
The verse further explains that without this steady contemplation, the mind remains restless, and inner tranquility (‘śāntiḥ’) is unattainable. The word ‘abhāvayataḥ’ conveys the condition of being unsteady or unsettled. When the mind and senses are not restrained, they generate turbulence, preventing the emergence of lasting peace. This lack of peace is not a mere temporary discomfort; it is a profound absence of inner equilibrium that hampers any attempt at spiritual realization.
Krishna then asks a rhetorical question: ‘kutaḥ sukham?’ – how can one who is not at peace be truly happy? This question underscores the interdependence of peace and happiness. Without a settled mind, even worldly pleasures remain fleeting and unsatisfying. True ‘sukham’ (happiness or bliss) is not derived from external conditions but from a deep inner calm that arises only when the mind is disciplined and aligned with divine consciousness.
In the broader context of Chapter 2, the verse serves as a reminder that merely performing actions (karma) without mental discipline will not yield spiritual fulfillment. The teachings urge aspirants to cultivate self‑control (yoga), restraining the senses, and focusing the intellect on the Divine. This disciplined approach purifies the mind, enabling one to experience the subtle peace that precedes higher states of consciousness.
Practically, this verse advises that one should engage in regular spiritual practices such as meditation, mantra repetition, and scriptural study to develop a unified consciousness. By doing so, the intellect becomes sharp, the mind steady, and the heart tranquil—creating the fertile ground for genuine happiness that is independent of external circumstances. Ultimately, the verse reinforces the Gita’s central message: inner transformation through disciplined mind and heart is the gateway to lasting peace and bliss.
