यदृच्छालाभसन्तुष्टो द्वन्द्वातीतो विमत्सरः। समः सिद्धावसिद्धौ च कृत्वापि न निबध्यते।।4.22।।
yadṛcchālābhasantuṣṭo dvandvātītaḥ vimatsaraḥ; samaḥ siddhāvasiddhau ca kṛtvāpi na nibadhyate
Translation
Content with whatever gain comes of its own accord, free from envy and beyond duality; being equal in success and failure, even while acting, he is never bound.
Word Meanings
yadṛcchā — out of its own accord; lābha — with gain; santuṣṭaḥ — satisfied; dvandva — duality; atītaḥ — surpassed; vimatsaraḥ — free from envy; samaḥ — steady; siddhau — in success; asiddhau — in failure; ca — also; kṛtvā — doing; api — although; na — never; nibadhyate — becomes affected
Understanding the Verse
In this verse Krishna describes the qualities of a true yogi, a person who has attained a state of equanimity and freedom from attachment. The phrase ‘yadṛcchālābhasantuṣṭo’ highlights that such a person is satisfied with whatever material gain or loss occurs, recognizing it as the result of divine will or chance. This detachment does not imply indifference; rather, it reflects a deep inner contentment that is not shaken by external circumstances.
The term ‘dvandvātītaḥ’ points to being beyond the dualities that dominate ordinary human experience – pleasure and pain, gain and loss, success and failure. By transcending these opposites, the yogi perceives the underlying unity of existence, seeing all events as manifestations of the same cosmic reality.
‘Vimatsaraḥ’ describes a mind free from envy and jealousy, emotions that bind individuals to a perpetual cycle of comparison and competition. When envy is absent, there is no craving for what others possess, allowing the soul to remain pure and focused on its own spiritual path.
Equanimity in both ‘siddhā’ (success) and ‘asiddhau’ (failure) further underscores the yogi’s steady nature. Whether achievements are attained or not, the inner sense of self remains untouched, because identity is not derived from external outcomes. This steadiness is essential for maintaining clarity of thought and decisive action without being clouded by egoistic tendencies.
Finally, ‘kṛtvāpi na nibadhyate’ conveys that even while performing actions, the yogi does not become bound by them. This reflects the principle of ‘karma‑yoga’ – acting without attachment to the fruits of one’s deeds. By offering actions to the Divine and remaining unattached, the individual avoids the karmic cycle that entangles most beings.
Overall, this verse encapsulates the essence of self‑realization: a balanced mind, free from personal desires and envy, engaged in righteous action without bondage. It serves as a guide for aspirants seeking to cultivate inner peace amidst the tumult of worldly life.
