2.55 — What does steady wisdom look like?

Sanskrit · Teaching film · Everyday practice

Speaker: Krishna, addressing Arjuna.

The shloka

श्रीभगवानुवाच
प्रजहाति यदा कामान्सर्वान्पार्थ मनोगतान् ।
आत्मन्येवात्मना तुष्टः स्थितप्रज्ञस्तदोच्यते ॥ ५५ ॥

Brief meaning

Krishna describes one who relinquishes desires arising in the mind and rests satisfied in the self as a person of steady wisdom.

In the conversation

Arjuna now asks about the person of steady wisdom. Krishna begins with inner satisfaction and freedom from being ruled by craving, fear and anger. The question about speaking, sitting and moving reaches beyond outward posture. An appearance of calm alone cannot establish the inner state described.

Everyday reflection

Imagine receiving a sharp comment during a meeting. You notice anger rising and the wish to answer immediately. A steadier response might begin with listening for the actual concern, then asking a precise question. You can disagree firmly without making retaliation the purpose of your reply. This small practice is not a claim that you have attained the sage’s condition. It is a way to examine what directs your speech when your pride feels threatened.

Consider today: Notice a moment of enough without demanding another purchase or praise.