न प्रहृष्येत्प्रियं प्राप्य नोद्विजेत्प्राप्य चाप्रियम्। स्थिरबुद्धिरसम्मूढो ब्रह्मविद्ब्रह्मणि स्थितः।।5.20।।
na prahṛṣyet priyam prāpya na udvijet prāpya ca apriyam; sthira-buddhir asammūḍhaḥ brahma-vid brahmaṇi sthitaḥ
Translation
One who is steady in intelligence, free from delusion and established in the Supreme, neither rejoices on attaining the pleasant nor grieves on obtaining the unpleasant.
Word Meanings
na — never; prahṛṣyet — rejoices; priyam — the pleasant; prāpya — achieving; na — does not; udvijet — become agitated; prāpya — obtaining; ca — also; apriyam — the unpleasant; sthira-buddhiḥ — self-intelligent; asammūḍhaḥ — unbewildered; brahma-vit — one who knows the Supreme perfectly; brahmaṇi — in the transcendence; sthitaḥ — situated.
Understanding the Verse
In this verse Krishna describes the qualities of a true yogi who has transcended the dualities of pleasure and pain. The statement begins with the negation "na" (never), emphasizing that such a person does not get swayed by external circumstances. "Prahṛṣyet" means to rejoice, and "priyam" denotes that which is pleasant or desirable. By saying "na prahṛṣyet priyam prāpya," the verse teaches that even when one achieves something pleasant, a liberated mind does not become elated, because its happiness does not depend on transient gains.
Similarly, "na udvijet prāpya ca apriyam" conveys that the same person does not become agitated or distressed when faced with the unpleasant. "Udvijet" signifies agitation or sorrow, and "apriyam" refers to the unwanted or painful. The yogi remains equanimous, neither elated by success nor dejected by failure, reflecting a profound inner stability.
The second half of the verse introduces the attributes that make such equanimity possible. "Sthira-buddhir" (steady intelligence) points to a mind that is firm, unshaken, and anchored in spiritual wisdom. This steadiness arises from clear discernment and the removal of confusion. "Asammūḍhaḥ" means unbewildered or free from delusion, indicating that the yogi has seen through the illusion of the material world and recognizes the self's true nature.
"Brahma-vid" (one who knows Brahman) and "brahmaṇi sthitaḥ" (situated in the transcendence) describe a person who has realized the ultimate reality. This realization is not an intellectual concept but a living experience that places the individual in constant communion with the divine. When the self is immersed in Brahman, all external changes lose their power to disturb the inner peace.
Therefore, this verse serves as a practical guide: by cultivating steady intelligence, removing delusion, and seeking direct knowledge of the Supreme, a seeker can attain a state where pleasure and pain no longer dictate emotional responses. The result is a liberated consciousness that remains tranquil in all circumstances, embodying the highest ideal of yoga – the union of the individual soul with the unchanging reality of Brahman.
