आत्मौपम्येन सर्वत्र समं पश्यति योऽर्जुन। सुखं वा यदि वा दुःखं सः योगी परमो मतः।।6.32।।
ātmaupamena sarvatra samaṁ paśyati yo ’rjuna; sukhaṁ vā yadi vā duḥkhaṁ saḥ yogī paramo mataḥ
Translation
He who, O Arjuna, sees all beings equally by the standard of the self, whether in happiness or in distress, such a yogi is regarded as the supreme.
Word Meanings
ātmaupamena — by comparison with the self; sarvatra — everywhere; samaṁ — equally; paśyati — sees; yaḥ — he who; Arjuna — O Arjuna; sukhaṁ — happiness; vā — or; yadi — if; vā — or; duḥkhaṁ — distress; saḥ — such; yogī — yogi; paramo — supreme; mataḥ — is considered
Understanding the Verse
In this profound declaration, Lord Krishna delineates the hallmark of the highest yogi, a soul whose vision transcends ordinary perception. By invoking the term "ātmaupamena" (by the measure of the self), the Lord emphasizes that the true yardstick for evaluating all beings is one’s own inner nature. When a practitioner uses the self as a standard, the distinctions that ordinarily separate individuals—status, wealth, caste, or external circumstances—dissolve into a seamless whole. This vision is not merely an intellectual concept; it is a lived experience that transforms how a yogi engages with the world.
The phrase "sarvatra samaṁ paśyati" (sees equally everywhere) underscores the universality of this perception. The yogi does not limit this equality to a specific group or context; it extends to every living entity across time and space. Such impartiality eliminates bias, fostering a deep sense of compassion and non‑attachment. The yogi’s heart beats in harmony with the cosmos, recognizing the same divine spark in a king, a pauper, a friend, or a foe.
Krishna then addresses Arjuna directly, reminding him that this equality applies in both joy and suffering: "sukhaṁ vā yadi vā duḥkhaṁ" (whether in happiness or distress). The supreme yogi does not cling to pleasure nor recoil from pain. Instead, he meets both states with equanimity, seeing them as temporary manifestations of the same underlying reality. This balanced response is the essence of "yoga"—the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness, undisturbed by the fluctuations of material experience.
Finally, the verse concludes with the accolade "paramo mataḥ" (considered supreme). By embodying this all‑encompassing vision, the yogi attains the highest rank in spiritual hierarchy. He becomes a living bridge between the mundane and the divine, guiding others by example. The description serves as a practical roadmap for aspirants: cultivate self‑awareness, practice impartial observation, and maintain equanimity in all circumstances. In doing so, one aligns with the ultimate goal of the Gita—realizing one's true nature and remaining steadfast amidst life's inevitable dualities.
