Bhagavad Gita 6.9 — The Yogi with Equal Vision Maintains the Same Attitude Toward Everyone
सुहृन्मित्रार्युदासीनमध्यस्थद्वेष्यबन्धुषु।
साधुष्वपि च पापेषु समबुद्धिर्विशिष्यते॥ ६.९॥
A yogi who maintains an equal and impartial attitude toward a selfless well-wisher, a friend, an enemy, a neutral person, a mediator, a disliked person, a relative, the righteous, and even a sinner is regarded as truly excellent.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| suhṛnmitrāryudāsīna | toward a well-wisher, friend, foe, and neutral person |
| madhyasthadveṣyabandhuṣu | toward a mediator, one who hates, and a relative |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sādhuṣu | toward the righteous |
| api | even |
| ca | and |
| pāpeṣu | toward sinners |
| samabuddhiḥ | one who has equal vision |
| viśiṣyate | is considered superior |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| suhṛnmitrāryudāsīna | toward a well-wisher, friend, foe, and neutral person | sādhuṣu | toward the righteous |
| madhyasthadveṣyabandhuṣu | toward a mediator, one who hates, and a relative | api | even |
| ca | and | ||
| pāpeṣu | toward sinners | ||
| samabuddhiḥ | one who has equal vision | ||
| viśiṣyate | is considered superior | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna describes the highest expression of equality in social life, explaining how a perfected yogi views every kind of person with impartial wisdom.
Essence
Lord Krishna's Profound Social and Psychological Insight
Here, Lord Krishna presents the wide spectrum of human relationships and explains that the greatness of a yogi lies in maintaining equal vision toward them all.
Throughout life, we encounter many different kinds of people—well-wishers, friends, enemies, neutral individuals, mediators, those who oppose us, relatives, the virtuous, and even the wicked. An ordinary person reacts differently to each, responding with affection, anger, attachment, or hatred depending on the situation.
Samabuddhiḥ: The distinguishing quality of a yogi is that their inner balance does not depend on how others behave. They recognize the same divine consciousness present within every being. This does not mean ignoring the difference between right and wrong or accepting injustice. Rather, it means remaining free from hatred, prejudice, and personal resentment while acting with wisdom.
Such a person understands that people's actions are shaped by their level of understanding, their past impressions, and their state of consciousness. Therefore, instead of reacting impulsively, the yogi responds with discernment. This impartial vision is what makes them truly noble.
Message for Everyday Life (Freedom from a Judgmental Mind)
Do not be quick to label people: We often rush to classify others as good or bad, creating unnecessary anger, resentment, and mental stress within ourselves.
Practical approach: Practice accepting people along with their nature and circumstances. Even when someone behaves unfavorably toward you, strive to preserve your own inner peace. Gradually, your mind will become free from the trap of constant reactions, and your relationships will become more balanced and harmonious.
Next Topic
So far, Lord Krishna has explained the mental preparation, equanimity, and self-mastery required for yoga. Beginning with the next passage, He turns to the practical discipline of meditation, explaining the lifestyle and external conditions necessary for its successful practice.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
A balanced mind sees beyond labels and roles.
True vision recognizes the common humanity in all.
Fairness begins where favoritism ends.
Mature minds respond to character, not merely to categories.
Understanding grows when judgment softens.
The same divine spark shines through different personalities.
Harmony increases when reactions are replaced by balanced perception.