Chapter 6, Verse 8 (Bhagavad Gita 6.8)
Chapter 6: Dhyān Yog – Path of Meditation
Sanskrit Shloka
ज्ञानविज्ञानतृप्तात्मा कूटस्थो विजितेन्द्रियः। युक्त इत्युच्यते योगी समलोष्टाश्मकाञ्चनः
Transliteration
jñāna-vijñāna-tṛiptātmā kūṭa-stho vijitendriyaḥ yukta ityuchyate yogī sama-loṣhṭāśhma-kāñchanaḥ
Word Meanings
jñāna—knowledge; vijñāna—realized knowledge, wisdom from within; tṛipta ātmā—one fully satisfied; kūṭa-sthaḥ—undisturbed; vijita-indriyaḥ—one who has conquered the senses; yuktaḥ—one who is in constant communion with the Supreme; iti—thus; uchyate—is said; yogī—a yogi; sama—looks equally; loṣhṭra—pebbles; aśhma—stone; kāñchanaḥ—gold
Translation
The yogi who is satisfied with knowledge and wisdom, who is self-controlled, and to whom a lump of earth, a stone, and gold are the same, is said to be united with the Divine.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse describes the profound psychological shift from external dependency to internal fullness. By mastering the senses, the yogi transcends the dualistic attractions of the material world, viewing all objects as manifestations of the same consciousness. Such equanimity is not about apathy, but about recognizing the transient nature of value in the world compared to the eternal nature of the Self. When one ceases to assign 'worth' based on material utility, the mind achieves a state of constant, peaceful equilibrium. Ultimately, this teaches that true liberation is found when one is no longer moved by the fluctuations of pleasure, pain, or possession.