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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Verse 20 Meaning in Hindi & English

By Lakshay Sharma | On 16 June, 2026 | Views

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Verse 20 teaches one of the most important qualities of a spiritually mature person: emotional stability. After explaining that enlightened individuals see all beings equally and conquer the material world through balanced vision, Lord Krishna now describes how such a person responds to life's changing circumstances.

Most people become excited when something pleasant happens and disturbed when faced with difficulties. Krishna teaches that a wise person remains steady in both situations. Their happiness does not depend entirely on external events because they are established in higher wisdom and connected to the Divine.

This verse offers a timeless lesson on resilience, emotional intelligence, and inner peace.

Bhagavad Gita 5.20 – Remaining Steady in Success and Failure

Krishna explains that a person established in spiritual wisdom:

Does not become excessively joyful when receiving something pleasant.
Does not become depressed when facing something unpleasant.
Remains steady and balanced.
Lives with clarity and wisdom.

Such a person has transcended emotional extremes and discovered a deeper source of happiness.

The verse teaches that true peace comes from inner stability rather than external circumstances.

Bhagavad Gita 5.20 – Sanskrit Shlok & Transliteration

Sanskrit Shlok

न प्रहृष्येत्प्रियम् प्राप्य नोद्विजेत्प्राप्य चाप्रियम् । स्थिरबुद्धिरसंमूढो ब्रह्मविद् ब्रह्मणि स्थितः ॥ २० ॥

Shlok in Hinglish

Na prahrishyet priyam prapya Nodvijet prapya chapriyam Sthira-buddhir asammudho Brahmavid brahmani sthitah

English Transliteration

na prahṛṣyet priyaṁ prāpya nodvijet prāpya cāpriyam sthira-buddhir asammūḍho brahma-vid brahmaṇi sthitaḥ

Word-by-Word Meaning (शब्दार्थ)

Sanskrit Word	Hindi Meaning	English Meaning
न (Na)	नहीं	Not
प्रहृष्येत् (Prahrishyet)	अत्यधिक प्रसन्न हो	Become overly delighted
प्रियम् (Priyam)	प्रिय वस्तु	Pleasant thing
प्राप्य (Prapya)	प्राप्त करके	Upon obtaining
न (Na)	नहीं	Not
उद्विजेत् (Udvijet)	विचलित हो	Become disturbed
अप्रियम् (Apriyam)	अप्रिय वस्तु	Unpleasant thing
स्थिरबुद्धिः (Sthira-Buddhih)	स्थिर बुद्धि वाला	Steady-minded
असंमूढः (Asammudhah)	मोह रहित	Free from confusion
ब्रह्मविद् (Brahmavid)	ब्रह्म को जानने वाला	Knower of Brahman
ब्रह्मणि स्थितः (Brahmani Sthitah)	ब्रह्म में स्थित	Established in Brahman

Verse Meaning (अनुवाद)

Hindi Meaning (हिंदी अनुवाद)

जो व्यक्ति प्रिय वस्तु प्राप्त होने पर अत्यधिक प्रसन्न नहीं होता और अप्रिय परिस्थिति आने पर विचलित नहीं होता, जिसकी बुद्धि स्थिर है और जो मोह से रहित है, वह ब्रह्म को जानने वाला तथा ब्रह्म में स्थित माना जाता है।

English Meaning

One who neither rejoices excessively upon obtaining something pleasant nor becomes disturbed when faced with something unpleasant, who is steady-minded and free from delusion, is a knower of Brahman and established in the Supreme Reality.

Deep Insights & Philosophical Context

1. The Nature of Emotional Balance

Krishna does not teach emotional suppression.

Instead, He teaches:

Emotional Mastery

The wise person experiences emotions but is not controlled by them.

They remain:

Calm in success.
Composed in failure.
Stable during uncertainty.
Humble during achievement.

This balance is a sign of spiritual maturity.

2. Why External Happiness Is Unstable

Most worldly experiences are temporary:

Wealth can change.
Relationships evolve.
Success comes and goes.
Circumstances fluctuate.

When happiness depends entirely on external factors, instability becomes inevitable.

Krishna encourages us to discover a deeper source of fulfillment.

3. The Meaning of Sthira-Buddhi

The phrase:

Sthira-Buddhih

Means:

One with a steady intellect.

Such a person:

Thinks clearly.
Makes wise decisions.
Remains calm under pressure.
Is not easily influenced by emotions.

A steady mind creates a stable life.

4. Freedom from Delusion

Krishna describes the wise as:

Asammudhah

Meaning:

Free from confusion and delusion.

They understand:

Everything in life is temporary.
Change is natural.
The soul is eternal.
True happiness comes from spiritual realization.

This wisdom reduces emotional suffering.

5. Established in Brahman

A person who remains balanced is called:

Brahmavid Brahmani Sthitah

One who knows Brahman and is established in Brahman.

This means:

Their identity is rooted in spiritual truth.
Their peace is not dependent on circumstances.
Their happiness comes from inner awareness.

Life Lessons from Bhagavad Gita 5.20

1. Avoid Emotional Extremes

Excessive excitement and excessive disappointment both create instability.

Modern Takeaway: Celebrate success without becoming attached to it.

2. Build Inner Resilience

Challenges are inevitable.

Modern Takeaway: Develop mental strength through reflection, meditation, and self-awareness.

3. Stay Grounded During Success

Success can create ego and complacency.

Modern Takeaway: Remain humble and grateful when things go well.

4. Accept Life's Changes

Change is part of life.

Modern Takeaway: Focus on adaptation rather than resistance.

Modern-Day Relevance

Bhagavad Gita 5.20 is especially relevant in today's fast-paced world where emotions often fluctuate due to:

Career achievements
Financial gains and losses
Social media validation
Personal relationships
Public opinion

Krishna's teaching provides a healthier approach:

Enjoy Success Wisely

Appreciate achievements without becoming dependent on them.

Face Difficulties Calmly

View setbacks as opportunities to grow.

Develop Emotional Intelligence

Respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.

Find Inner Stability

Build happiness from within rather than from external approval.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 5.20?

Ans: Krishna teaches that a wise person remains emotionally balanced in both pleasant and unpleasant situations and is established in spiritual wisdom.

Q.2 What does "Sthira-Buddhi" mean?

Ans: It means having a steady and stable intellect that remains calm amid changing circumstances.

Q.3 Does this verse teach emotional suppression?

Ans: No. Krishna teaches emotional balance and mastery, not suppression of feelings.

Q.4 Why is balance important according to this verse?

Ans: Because attachment to temporary events creates suffering, while balance creates peace and clarity.

Q.5 How can this verse help modern individuals?

Ans: It teaches resilience, emotional intelligence, stress management, and inner peace.

Practical Applications of Bhagavad Gita 5.20

During Success

Practice gratitude instead of arrogance.

During Failure

Focus on lessons rather than self-criticism.

Daily Meditation

Train the mind to remain calm and centered.

Mindful Reflection

Ask yourself:

Am I reacting or responding?
Is this situation permanent?
What can I learn from this experience?

Related Verses to Explore Next

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 48: Remain balanced in success and failure.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5, Verse 19: Those established in equality conquer the world.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 7: The self-controlled person remains peaceful amid all conditions.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Verse 20 teaches that true wisdom is reflected in emotional balance. Krishna explains that the person established in Brahman remains steady whether life brings pleasant experiences or difficult challenges.

Such a person is not controlled by temporary events because their peace comes from a deeper source—the realization of spiritual truth.

In a world full of uncertainty, this verse offers a practical path to resilience, clarity, and lasting happiness.

Krishna's timeless message is:

Do not let success inflate you or failure break you. Remain steady, rooted in wisdom, and connected to the Divine. In that balance lies true peace and freedom.

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Lakshay Sharma

I’m Lakshay Sharma, a writer with a deep passion for Hindu mythology, Vastu Shastra, and home interiors. I enjoy exploring the rich traditions of Hindu gods and goddesses, sharing insights into Vastu principles, and offering guidance on creating sacred spaces like Puja Mandirs. Through my writing, I aim to inspire harmony and spiritual well-being, blending traditional knowledge with modern perspectives.

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