Chapter 2: The Yoga of Knowledge

Verses (72)

1. 2.1

   सञ्जय उवाच तं तथा कृपयाऽविष्टमश्रुपूर्णाकुलेक्षणम्। विषीदन्तमिदं वाक्यमुवाच मधुसूदनः।।2.1।।

   When overwhelmed by doubt and emotion, seek clarity from trusted mentors who offer perspective beyond your immediate distress.

2. 2.2

   श्री भगवानुवाच कुतस्त्वा कश्मलमिदं विषमे समुपस्थितम्। अनार्यजुष्टमस्वर्ग्यमकीर्तिकरमर्जुन।।2.2।।

   When facing difficult decisions, question whether your hesitation stems from fear or principle. Avoid choices driven by others' doubts; they diminish ...

3. 2.3

   क्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः पार्थ नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते। क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप।।2.3।...

   Rise above self-doubt and fear. Leaders must act decisively despite uncertainty, transcending emotional hesitation to fulfill their responsibilities e...

4. 2.4

   अर्जुन उवाच कथं भीष्ममहं संख्ये द्रोणं च मधुसूदन। इषुभिः प्रतियोत्स्यामि पूजार्हावरिसूदन।।2.4।।

   When facing difficult decisions against respected opponents, focus on your duty rather than personal discomfort or emotional attachment to the outcome...

5. 2.5

   गुरूनहत्वा हि महानुभावान् श्रेयो भोक्तुं भैक्ष्यमपीह लोके। हत्वार्थकामांस्तु गुरूनिहैव भुञ्जीय भो...

   Compromising your values for gain poisons success. Integrity preserved through hardship outweighs prosperity built on betrayal.

6. 2.6

   न चैतद्विद्मः कतरन्नो गरीयो यद्वा जयेम यदि वा नो जयेयुः। यानेव हत्वा न जिजीविषाम स्तेऽवस्थिताः प्...

   Focus on your responsibilities rather than outcomes. Uncertainty about results shouldn't paralyze action; clarity about what's right does.

7. 2.7

   कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसंमूढचेताः। यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्िचतं ब्रूहि तन्मे शिष्य...

   When uncertainty clouds your judgment, return to your core responsibilities rather than being swayed by emotion. Seek clarity on your duty, commit to ...

8. 2.8

   न हि प्रपश्यामि ममापनुद्या द्यच्छोकमुच्छोषणमिन्द्रियाणाम्। अवाप्य भूमावसपत्नमृद्धम् राज्यं सुराणा...

   External success—wealth, power, status—cannot heal internal suffering. True leadership requires addressing the root causes of your distress, not accum...

9. 2.9

   सञ्जय उवाच एवमुक्त्वा हृषीकेशं गुडाकेशः परन्तप। न योत्स्य इति गोविन्दमुक्त्वा तूष्णीं बभूव ह।।2.9।...

   When overwhelmed by doubt, silence and withdrawal are natural—but true leadership requires moving through fear to take decisive action aligned with yo...

10. 2.10

    तमुवाच हृषीकेशः प्रहसन्निव भारत। सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये विषीदन्तमिदं वचः।।2.10।।

    When overwhelmed by difficult choices, step back from emotion. Clear perspective and wise counsel transform paralysis into purposeful action.

11. 2.11

    श्री भगवानुवाच अशोच्यानन्वशोचस्त्वं प्रज्ञावादांश्च भाषसे। गतासूनगतासूंश्च नानुशोचन्ति पण्डिताः।।2...

    Focus your energy on what you can control today. Dwelling on unchangeable losses or hypothetical futures weakens your effectiveness as a leader.

12. 2.12

    न त्वेवाहं जातु नासं न त्वं नेमे जनाधिपाः। न चैव न भविष्यामः सर्वे वयमतः परम्।।2.12।।

    You and your team are part of something continuous and enduring. Focus on your role now rather than fearing obsolescence or change.

13. 2.13

    देहिनोऽस्मिन्यथा देहे कौमारं यौवनं जरा। तथा देहान्तरप्राप्तिर्धीरस्तत्र न मुह्यति।।2.13।।

    Change is inevitable in life and work. Wise leaders accept transitions without attachment, focusing on present responsibilities rather than fearing wh...

14. 2.14

    मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः। आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत।।2.14।।

    External circumstances—success, failure, praise, criticism—are temporary. Focus on your response, not the situation. This builds resilience and clarit...

15. 2.15

    यं हि न व्यथयन्त्येते पुरुषं पुरुषर्षभ। समदुःखसुखं धीरं सोऽमृतत्वाय कल्पते।।2.15।।

    True leadership emerges when you respond to success and failure with equal composure, freeing yourself from reactive emotions that cloud judgment.

16. 2.16

    नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः। उभयोरपि दृष्टोऽन्तस्त्वनयोस्तत्त्वदर्शिभिः।।2.16।।

    Focus on what endures: real outcomes and authentic effort. Ignore distractions and illusions. Truth-seekers distinguish between lasting value and temp...

17. 2.17

    अविनाशि तु तद्विद्धि येन सर्वमिदं ततम्। विनाशमव्ययस्यास्य न कश्चित् कर्तुमर्हति।।2.17।।

    Focus on unchanging principles within your work. Core values and integrity persist through all business cycles and challenges. Build on what's permane...

18. 2.18

    अन्तवन्त इमे देहा नित्यस्योक्ताः शरीरिणः। अनाशिनोऽप्रमेयस्य तस्माद्युध्यस्व भारत।।2.18।।

    Focus on what endures beyond circumstances: your character and purpose. Act decisively despite uncertainty, knowing your core values transcend tempora...

19. 2.19

    य एनं वेत्ति हन्तारं यश्चैनं मन्यते हतम्। उभौ तौ न विजानीतो नायं हन्ति न हन्यते।।2.19।।

    Your actions don't define your worth; neither do others' judgments. Focus on doing your duty well, detached from outcomes and criticism.

20. 2.20

    न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचि न्नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः। अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो न हन्यते हन्...

    Your core purpose and values transcend any single role or setback. Protect your fundamental identity from temporary circumstances; what defines you en...

21. 2.21

    वेदाविनाशिनं नित्यं य एनमजमव्ययम्। कथं स पुरुषः पार्थ कं घातयति हन्ति कम्।।2.21।।

    Recognize the unchanging essence in all people. This perspective dissolves conflict and transforms how you lead with compassion rather than competitio...

22. 2.22

    वासांसि जीर्णानि यथा विहाय नवानि गृह्णाति नरोऽपराणि। तथा शरीराणि विहाय जीर्णा न्यन्यानि संयाति नव...

    Let go of outdated strategies and beliefs. Continuous renewal and adaptation, not attachment to the past, drive sustainable success and growth.

23. 2.23

    नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावकः। न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुतः।।2.23।।

    Your core purpose and values are indestructible. External circumstances—criticism, setbacks, market pressures—cannot diminish your fundamental integri...

24. 2.24

    अच्छेद्योऽयमदाह्योऽयमक्लेद्योऽशोष्य एव च। नित्यः सर्वगतः स्थाणुरचलोऽयं सनातनः।।2.24।।

    Your core purpose and values are unchanging amid external chaos. Build decisions on this stable foundation, not fleeting circumstances.

25. 2.25

    अव्यक्तोऽयमचिन्त्योऽयमविकार्योऽयमुच्यते। तस्मादेवं विदित्वैनं नानुशोचितुमर्हसि।।2.25।।

    Accept what lies beyond your control. Focus energy on your responsibilities, not outcomes. This mindset dissolves unnecessary worry and strengthens re...

26. 2.26

    अथ चैनं नित्यजातं नित्यं वा मन्यसे मृतम्। तथापि त्वं महाबाहो नैवं शोचितुमर्हसि।।2.26।।

    Whether circumstances constantly change or remain static, dwelling on what you cannot control wastes energy. Focus instead on your responsibilities an...

27. 2.27

    जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्युर्ध्रुवं जन्म मृतस्य च। तस्मादपरिहार्येऽर्थे न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि।।2.27।।

    Accept what you cannot control. Focus your energy on meaningful action today rather than worrying about inevitable outcomes beyond your influence.

28. 2.28

    अव्यक्तादीनि भूतानि व्यक्तमध्यानि भारत। अव्यक्तनिधनान्येव तत्र का परिदेवना।।2.28।।

    Accept what you cannot control. Focus energy on present actions rather than grieving inevitable changes in circumstances, people, or outcomes.

29. 2.29

    आश्चर्यवत्पश्यति कश्चिदेन माश्चर्यवद्वदति तथैव चान्यः। आश्चर्यवच्चैनमन्यः श्रृणोति श्रुत्वाप्येनं...

    People perceive the same truth differently based on their readiness. Focus on meeting people where they are rather than expecting uniform understandin...

30. 2.30

    देही नित्यमवध्योऽयं देहे सर्वस्य भारत। तस्मात्सर्वाणि भूतानि न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि।।2.30।।

    Focus on what endures within people rather than temporary circumstances. This perspective liberates you from paralyzing fear and enables decisive lead...

31. 2.31

    स्वधर्ममपि चावेक्ष्य न विकम्पितुमर्हसि। धर्म्याद्धि युद्धाछ्रेयोऽन्यत्क्षत्रियस्य न विद्यते।।2.31।।

    Stand firm in your responsibilities. Pursuing your purpose with integrity beats any easier alternative. Commitment to meaningful work defines excellen...

32. 2.32

    यदृच्छया चोपपन्नं स्वर्गद्वारमपावृतम्। सुखिनः क्षत्रियाः पार्थ लभन्ते युद्धमीदृशम्।।2.32।।

    Embrace challenges that come unbidden—they're opportunities for growth and excellence that define your character and legacy.

33. 2.33

    अथ चैत्त्वमिमं धर्म्यं संग्रामं न करिष्यसि। ततः स्वधर्मं कीर्तिं च हित्वा पापमवाप्स्यसि।।2.33।।

    Avoiding responsibility doesn't eliminate consequences—it creates them. Face your duties directly; evasion costs your integrity and reputation far mor...

34. 2.34

    अकीर्तिं चापि भूतानि कथयिष्यन्ति तेऽव्ययाम्। संभावितस्य चाकीर्तिर्मरणादतिरिच्यते।।2.34।।

    Your reputation shapes your legacy. For leaders, losing credibility through inaction is worse than taking a difficult stand. Protect your integrity fi...

35. 2.35

    भयाद्रणादुपरतं मंस्यन्ते त्वां महारथाः। येषां च त्वं बहुमतो भूत्वा यास्यसि लाघवम्।।2.35।।

    Your reputation depends on consistent action. Avoiding difficult challenges out of fear destroys credibility faster than any failure would. Lead throu...

36. 2.36

    अवाच्यवादांश्च बहून् वदिष्यन्ति तवाहिताः। निन्दन्तस्तव सामर्थ्यं ततो दुःखतरं नु किम्।।2.36।।

    Focus on your duty, not others' words. External criticism cannot diminish your inner strength or purpose. Control what you can; release what you canno...

37. 2.37

    हतो वा प्राप्स्यसि स्वर्गं जित्वा वा भोक्ष्यसे महीम्। तस्मादुत्तिष्ठ कौन्तेय युद्धाय कृतनिश्चयः।।2....

    Commit fully to meaningful action. Success or failure both serve growth—what matters is showing up with courage and resolve, not obsessing over outcom...

38. 2.38

    सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ। ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि।।2.38।।

    Detach from outcomes while fully committing to your work. This mental clarity prevents reactive decisions and ethical compromises under pressure.

39. 2.39

    एषा तेऽभिहिता सांख्ये बुद्धिर्योगे त्विमां श्रृणु। बुद्ध्यायुक्तो यया पार्थ कर्मबन्धं प्रहास्यसि।।2...

    Master your actions through disciplined focus and detachment from outcomes. This transforms work from burden into purposeful practice, freeing you fro...

40. 2.40

    नेहाभिक्रमनाशोऽस्ति प्रत्यवायो न विद्यते। स्वल्पमप्यस्य धर्मस्य त्रायते महतो भयात्।।2.40।।

    Small consistent steps toward integrity protect you from major failures. Progress matters more than perfection in building trustworthy leadership.

41. 2.41

    व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धिरेकेह कुरुनन्दन। बहुशाखा ह्यनन्ताश्च बुद्धयोऽव्यवसायिनाम्।।2.41।।

    Clear conviction drives decisive action; scattered thinking multiplies obstacles. Focus your mind on one strategic priority to achieve results.

42. 2.42

    यामिमां पुष्पितां वाचं प्रवदन्त्यविपश्चितः। वेदवादरताः पार्थ नान्यदस्तीति वादिनः।।2.42।।

    Don't get distracted by appealing promises of quick rewards. Focus on meaningful work aligned with your values rather than chasing status, wealth, or ...

43. 2.43

    कामात्मानः स्वर्गपरा जन्मकर्मफलप्रदाम्। क्रियाविशेषबहुलां भोगैश्वर्यगतिं प्रति।।2.43।।

    Don't get distracted by appealing promises of quick rewards. Focus on meaningful work aligned with your values rather than chasing status, wealth, or ...

44. 2.44

    भोगैश्वर्यप्रसक्तानां तयापहृतचेतसाम्। व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धिः समाधौ न विधीयते।।2.44।।

    Distraction by comfort weakens conviction. Leaders must guard their focus against the seductive pull of immediate gains to maintain strategic clarity ...

45. 2.45

    त्रैगुण्यविषया वेदा निस्त्रैगुण्यो भवार्जुन। निर्द्वन्द्वो नित्यसत्त्वस्थो निर्योगक्षेम आत्मवान्।।2...

    Rise above reactive patterns and dualities. Focus on excellence in your duties while remaining emotionally detached from outcomes, maintaining inner b...

46. 2.46

    यावानर्थ उदपाने सर्वतः संप्लुतोदके। तावान्सर्वेषु वेदेषु ब्राह्मणस्य विजानतः।।2.46।।

    When knowledge isn't applied to solve real problems, it holds no value. True wisdom means using your expertise where it actually matters most.

47. 2.47

    कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि।।2.47।।

    Focus your energy on executing your responsibilities with excellence, release attachment to outcomes, and never use uncertainty as an excuse for inact...

48. 2.48

    योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय। सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते।।2.48।।

    Perform your duties with full commitment while detaching from outcomes. True skill lies in maintaining calm focus whether you succeed or fail.

49. 2.49

    दूरेण ह्यवरं कर्म बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय। बुद्धौ शरणमन्विच्छ कृपणाः फलहेतवः।।2.49।।

    Focus on mastering your craft and developing wisdom rather than chasing immediate rewards. This builds lasting success and fulfillment.

50. 2.50

    बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते। तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्।।2.50।।

    Master your craft through disciplined action. Excellence comes from focused effort, not judgment of outcomes. This is true skill in work.

51. 2.51

    कर्मजं बुद्धियुक्ता हि फलं त्यक्त्वा मनीषिणः। जन्मबन्धविनिर्मुक्ताः पदं गच्छन्त्यनामयम्।।2.51।।

    Focus on the work itself, not outcomes. Release attachment to results, and you'll find clarity, reduce stress, and make better decisions unburdened by...

52. 2.52

    यदा ते मोहकलिलं बुद्धिर्व्यतितरिष्यति। तदा गन्तासि निर्वेदं श्रोतव्यस्य श्रुतस्य च।।2.52।।

    When clarity replaces confusion, you naturally release attachment to opinions—both new information and past beliefs—enabling wiser decisions unburdene...

53. 2.53

    श्रुतिविप्रतिपन्ना ते यदा स्थास्यति निश्चला। समाधावचला बुद्धिस्तदा योगमवाप्स्यसि।।2.53।।

    When your mind stops reacting to conflicting information and anchors to your core values, you gain clarity to make decisive, aligned decisions.

54. 2.54

    अर्जुन उवाच स्थितप्रज्ञस्य का भाषा समाधिस्थस्य केशव। स्थितधीः किं प्रभाषेत किमासीत व्रजेत किम्।।2....

    A leader with steady wisdom acts with clarity and purpose, speaks thoughtfully without ego, and moves through challenges with calm focus rather than r...

55. 2.55

    श्री भगवानुवाच प्रजहाति यदा कामान् सर्वान् पार्थ मनोगतान्। आत्मन्येवात्मना तुष्टः स्थितप्रज्ञस्तदो...

    True leadership strength comes from releasing attachment to outcomes and finding contentment within yourself, not external validation or achievement.

56. 2.56

    दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः। वीतरागभयक्रोधः स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते।।2.56।।

    A steady leader remains calm under pressure, pursues purpose over pleasure, and responds rather than reacts from fear or anger.

57. 2.57

    यः सर्वत्रानभिस्नेहस्तत्तत्प्राप्य शुभाशुभम्। नाभिनन्दति न द्वेष्टि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता।।2.57।...

    Master equanimity in leadership: accept outcomes without attachment, respond to challenges objectively, and maintain clarity regardless of success or ...

58. 2.58

    यदा संहरते चायं कूर्मोऽङ्गानीव सर्वशः। इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता।।2.58।।

    Master your focus by deliberately withdrawing attention from distractions. When you control what captures your mind, your judgment becomes steady and ...

59. 2.59

    विषया विनिवर्तन्ते निराहारस्य देहिनः। रसवर्जं रसोऽप्यस्य परं दृष्ट्वा निवर्तते।।2.59।।

    Detachment from outcomes doesn't mean avoiding action—it means performing your duties without craving results. True freedom comes from understanding w...

60. 2.60

    यततो ह्यपि कौन्तेय पुरुषस्य विपश्चितः। इन्द्रियाणि प्रमाथीनि हरन्ति प्रसभं मनः।।2.60।।

    Even disciplined professionals can lose focus when distracted by immediate pressures. Protect your strategic priorities by deliberately managing what ...

61. 2.61

    तानि सर्वाणि संयम्य युक्त आसीत मत्परः। वशे हि यस्येन्द्रियाणि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता।।2.61।।

    Master your impulses by anchoring to core principles. When you control distractions, your judgment becomes unshakeable and decisions remain consistent...

62. 2.62

    ध्यायतो विषयान्पुंसः सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते। सङ्गात् संजायते कामः कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते।।2.62।।

    What you focus on repeatedly creates emotional attachment. Unmet expectations from that attachment breed frustration. Break the cycle by consciously d...

63. 2.63

    क्रोधाद्भवति संमोहः संमोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रमः। स्मृतिभ्रंशाद् बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति।।2.63।।

    Unchecked anger clouds judgment, erodes clear thinking, and leads to poor decisions. Master your emotions to protect your reasoning and success.

64. 2.64

    रागद्वेषवियुक्तैस्तु विषयानिन्द्रियैश्चरन्। आत्मवश्यैर्विधेयात्मा प्रसादमधिगच्छति।।2.64।।

    Master your reactions to outcomes. Leaders who observe situations objectively, without emotional attachment to results, make clearer decisions and mai...

65. 2.65

    प्रसादे सर्वदुःखानां हानिरस्योपजायते। प्रसन्नचेतसो ह्याशु बुद्धिः पर्यवतिष्ठते।।2.65।।

    Inner calm dissolves problems and anchors clear thinking. Leaders who cultivate serenity make better decisions and build lasting resilience.

66. 2.66

    नास्ति बुद्धिरयुक्तस्य न चायुक्तस्य भावना। न चाभावयतः शान्तिरशान्तस्य कुतः सुखम्।।2.66।।

    Master your focus first. Without mental stability, strategy fails, clarity vanishes, and lasting success becomes impossible. Peace precedes performanc...

67. 2.67

    इन्द्रियाणां हि चरतां यन्मनोऽनुविधीयते। तदस्य हरति प्रज्ञां वायुर्नावमिवाम्भसि।।2.67।।

    Uncontrolled distractions scatter your focus and erode sound judgment. Discipline your attention to preserve clarity in decision-making.

68. 2.68

    तस्माद्यस्य महाबाहो निगृहीतानि सर्वशः। इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता।।2.68।।

    Master your mind by withdrawing attention from distractions. Focus inward to gain clarity, then act decisively with undivided purpose.

69. 2.69

    या निशा सर्वभूतानां तस्यां जागर्ति संयमी। यस्यां जाग्रति भूतानि सा निशा पश्यतो मुनेः।।2.69।।

    While others chase distractions, disciplined leaders focus on what truly matters. Success requires seeing differently than the crowd.

70. 2.70

    आपूर्यमाणमचलप्रतिष्ठं समुद्रमापः प्रविशन्ति यद्वत्। तद्वत्कामा यं प्रविशन्ति सर्वे स शान्तिमाप्नो...

    True leadership peace comes from fulfilling responsibilities without attachment to outcomes. Stay centered while managing competing demands, like the ...

71. 2.71

    विहाय कामान्यः सर्वान्पुमांश्चरति निःस्पृहः। निर्ममो निरहंकारः स शांतिमधिगच्छति।।2.71।।

    Release attachment to outcomes and ego. Leaders find peace and clarity by focusing on duty itself, not personal gain or recognition.

72. 2.72

    एषा ब्राह्मी स्थितिः पार्थ नैनां प्राप्य विमुह्यति। स्थित्वाऽस्यामन्तकालेऽपि ब्रह्मनिर्वाणमृच्छति।।...

    Clarity of purpose, once achieved, remains unshaken regardless of circumstances or timing. Leaders who establish unwavering principles early gain resi...