Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 57 Meaning in Hindi And English

In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 56, Lord Krishna explained that a person of steady wisdom remains calm in both joy and sorrow and is free from attachment, fear, and anger. In Verse 57, Krishna further develops this description by highlighting another hallmark of spiritual maturity: freedom from emotional dependence on favorable and unfavorable circumstances.

This verse teaches the importance of maintaining balance and objectivity regardless of what life brings. Whether faced with success or failure, praise or criticism, gain or loss, the wise person remains centered and undisturbed.

Bhagavad Gita 2.57 – The Wise Remain Unattached to Outcomes

Krishna explains that a truly wise person does not become emotionally attached to favorable situations, nor do they become disturbed by unfavorable ones.

Such a person:

• Appreciates good fortune without becoming dependent on it.

• Faces difficulties without resentment.

• Maintains inner stability regardless of external conditions.

This state of balance is a key characteristic of the Sthita-Prajna (person of steady wisdom).

Bhagavad Gita 2.57 – Sanskrit Shlok & Transliteration

Sanskrit Shlok

यः सर्वत्रानभिस्नेहः तत्तत्प्राप्य शुभाशुभम् । नाभिनन्दति न द्वेष्टि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ॥ ५७ ॥

Shlok in Hinglish

Yah sarvatranabhisnehah Tat tat prapya shubhashubham Nabhinandati na dveshti
Tasya prajna pratishthita

English Transliteration

yaḥ sarvatrānabhisnehaḥ tat tat prāpya śubhāśubham nābhinandati na dveṣṭi tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā

Word-by-Word Meaning (शब्दार्थ)

Verse Meaning (अनुवाद)

Hindi Meaning (हिंदी अनुवाद)

जो व्यक्ति हर परिस्थिति में आसक्ति रहित रहता है और शुभ या अशुभ परिस्थितियाँ आने पर न अत्यधिक प्रसन्न होता है और न ही द्वेष करता है, उसकी बुद्धि स्थिर कही जाती है।

English Meaning

One who remains unattached in all situations and neither rejoices excessively when favorable circumstances arise nor resents unfavorable ones is considered to possess steady wisdom.

Deep Insights & Philosophical Context

1. What Does "Anabhisnehah" Mean?

The key word in this verse is Anabhisnehah, which means freedom from excessive attachment.

Krishna does not advocate indifference or lack of care.

Instead, He teaches:

• Engagement without dependency.

• Love without possessiveness.

• Action without attachment.

The wise person participates fully in life while maintaining inner freedom.

2. The Challenge of Favorable Circumstances

Most people think spiritual growth is tested only during difficult times.

However, Krishna points out that success can also become a challenge.

When favorable circumstances arise, people often become:

• Attached

• Arrogant

• Complacent

• Fearful of losing their success

The wise person enjoys success but remains balanced.

3. Why Unfavorable Events Cause Suffering

Difficult situations often trigger:

• Frustration

• Resentment

• Self-pity

• Anger

The Sthita-Prajna understands that life naturally contains both pleasant and unpleasant experiences.

Rather than resisting reality, they respond with wisdom and acceptance.

4. Equanimity Is Strength, Not Weakness

Some people mistakenly interpret detachment as emotional coldness.

Krishna teaches the opposite.

A balanced mind is actually stronger because it is not controlled by circumstances.

The wise person remains compassionate, engaged, and active while preserving inner peace.

Life Lessons from Bhagavad Gita 2.57

1. Don't Let Success Define You

Success is valuable, but it should not become your identity.

Modern Takeaway: Celebrate achievements while remembering that your worth is greater than your accomplishments.

2. Don't Let Failure Break You

Every person experiences setbacks.

Modern Takeaway: View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as personal defeats.

3. Practice Emotional Balance

Life constantly alternates between favorable and unfavorable situations.

Modern Takeaway: Develop habits that help maintain perspective during both highs and lows.

4. Stay Grounded in Your Values

External circumstances change rapidly.

Modern Takeaway: Let your principles guide your actions rather than temporary emotions.

Modern-Day Relevance

Bhagavad Gita 2.57 is especially relevant in today's achievement-oriented society.

People often become emotionally dependent upon:

• Career success

• Financial gains

• Social approval

• Online recognition

As a result, happiness fluctuates with external events.

Krishna offers a different approach:

Build your peace on something deeper than circumstances.

This verse helps individuals:

• Manage stress

• Handle criticism constructively

• Avoid arrogance during success

• Build resilience during setbacks

• Maintain emotional stability

Its message is invaluable in a world driven by constant comparison and competition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 2.57?

Ans: Krishna teaches that a wise person remains unattached to both favorable and unfavorable circumstances and maintains emotional balance in all situations.

Q.2 Does this verse teach indifference?

Ans: No. Krishna teaches detachment, not indifference. A wise person cares deeply but remains free from emotional dependency and excessive reactions.

Q.3 What does "Anabhisnehah" mean?

Ans: It means freedom from excessive attachment, possessiveness, and emotional dependence.

Q.4 Why does Krishna say not to rejoice excessively?

Ans: Excessive attachment to success often creates fear of loss and emotional instability.

Q.5 How can this verse help in daily life?

Ans: It teaches resilience, emotional balance, self-awareness, and the ability to remain steady amid life's changing circumstances.

Related Verses to Explore Next

• Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 56: The wise remain calm in joy and sorrow.

• Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 58: Krishna introduces the metaphor of the tortoise withdrawing its senses.

• Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12, Verse 17: Characteristics of a devotee who remains balanced and unattached.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 57 deepens Krishna's description of the Sthita-Prajna by emphasizing emotional balance in both favorable and unfavorable situations.

The wise person neither becomes excessively excited by success nor disturbed by difficulties. Having cultivated freedom from attachment, they remain stable, clear-minded, and grounded in higher wisdom.

This verse reminds us that true peace does not depend on controlling life's circumstances. Instead, it comes from developing the inner strength to remain balanced regardless of what happens around us.

Krishna's message is timeless: The mark of wisdom is not avoiding life's ups and downs, but remaining steady through them all.