Bhagavad Gita 5.20 — The Knower of Brahman Remains Unshaken by the Pleasant and Unpleasant
न प्रहृष्येत्प्रियम् प्राप्य नोद्विजेत्प्राप्य चाप्रियम् ।
स्थिरबुद्धिरसम्मूढो ब्रह्मविद्ब्रह्मणि स्थितः ॥ ५.२० ॥
A knower of Brahman neither becomes excessively joyful upon obtaining what is pleasant nor disturbed when faced with what is unpleasant. Possessing a steady intellect and freedom from delusion, such a person remains firmly established in Brahman.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| na | not |
| prahṛṣyet | should become excessively delighted |
| priyam | something pleasant |
| prāpya | upon obtaining |
| na | nor |
| udvijet | should become disturbed |
| prāpya | upon encountering |
| ca | and |
| apriyam | something unpleasant |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sthirabuddhiḥ | one of steady intellect |
| asammūḍhaḥ | free from delusion |
| brahmavit | a knower of Brahman |
| brahmaṇi | in Brahman |
| sthitaḥ | established |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| na | not | sthirabuddhiḥ | one of steady intellect |
| prahṛṣyet | should become excessively delighted | asammūḍhaḥ | free from delusion |
| priyam | something pleasant | brahmavit | a knower of Brahman |
| prāpya | upon obtaining | brahmaṇi | in Brahman |
| na | nor | sthitaḥ | established |
| udvijet | should become disturbed | ||
| prāpya | upon encountering | ||
| ca | and | ||
| apriyam | something unpleasant | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna describes the practical behaviour of a wise person whose understanding is firmly established. Such a person remains undisturbed by life's changing circumstances.
Essence
The conduct of one with steady wisdom
Lord Krishna explains that the true test of spiritual wisdom is revealed through one's response to life's ups and downs.
Na prahṛṣyet priyaṁ prāpya: When pleasant experiences, success, or desired results come, the wise do not become excessively excited or carried away by pride.
Nodvijet prāpya cāpriyam: Likewise, when difficulties, disappointments, or unpleasant situations arise, they do not become disturbed, fearful, or emotionally shattered.
Sthira-buddhiḥ: Their understanding remains steady regardless of changing external circumstances. Their peace is rooted in Truth rather than in temporary experiences.
Asammūḍhaḥ: Free from delusion and confusion, they are not swept away by the emotional highs and lows that dominate ordinary life.
Brahmavid brahmaṇi sthitaḥ: One who truly knows Brahman lives established in that Reality. Such a person's identity is no longer defined by success or failure, gain or loss.
Message for our lives
This verse presents an ideal of emotional maturity and inner stability.
Balance in success and failure: Many people become overjoyed when things go well and deeply discouraged when they do not. Such emotional swings rob us of lasting peace.
Inner stability: When our sense of self is rooted in something deeper than external achievements, life's changing circumstances lose the power to control our happiness. We become calmer, wiser, and more resilient.
This steady inner balance is one of the defining marks of genuine spiritual maturity.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has described the balanced behaviour of one established in wisdom. The next question is: where does such lasting stability come from? In the following verse, He reveals the source of this inexhaustible inner joy.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Do not let success intoxicate or failure devastate.
A steady mind enjoys a deeper happiness than changing circumstances can provide.
Strength is measured by stability, not intensity of reaction.
The wise respond to events without becoming controlled by them.
Emotional maturity is remaining centred amid changing fortunes.
The closer one comes to Truth, the less one is shaken by dualities.
Inner freedom begins when circumstances stop dictating your state of mind.