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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Verse 23 Meaning in Hindi and English

By Lakshay Sharma | On 17 June, 2026 | Views

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Verse 23 Meaning in Hindi and English

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Verse 23 offers a powerful teaching on self-control, emotional mastery, and inner strength. Lord Krishna declares that a person who is able to withstand the urges of desire and anger before leaving the body is a true yogi and lives a life of genuine happiness.

This verse emphasizes that spiritual progress is not measured by external rituals but by one's ability to conquer internal enemies. Krishna teaches that mastering impulses and emotions leads to lasting peace, wisdom, and liberation.

Let us understand Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Verse 23 in Sanskrit, Hinglish, Hindi, and English with deep meaning and practical life lessons.

Bhagavad Gita 5.23: Meaning and Importance

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Verse 23 is important because:

It teaches the importance of controlling desire and anger.
It explains that true happiness comes from inner mastery.
It highlights self-discipline as the foundation of Yoga.
It shows that emotional control is essential for spiritual growth.

The verse reflects:

Self-control
Emotional intelligence
Inner strength
Detachment
Spiritual discipline

Krishna teaches:

“One who can tolerate the impulses of desire and anger before giving up the body is a true yogi and is genuinely happy.”

Sanskrit Shlok

शक्नोतीहैव यः सोढुं प्राक्शरीरविमोक्षणात् । कामक्रोधोद्भवं वेगं स युक्तः स सुखी नरः ॥ ५.२३ ॥

Shlok in Hinglish

Shaknoti ihaiva yah sodhum Prak sharira-vimokshanat Kama-krodhodbhavam vegam Sa yuktah sa sukhi narah

English Transliteration

śhaknotīhaiva yaḥ soḍhuṁ prāk śharīra-vimokṣhaṇāt kāma-krodhodbhavaṁ vegaṁ sa yuktaḥ sa sukhī naraḥ

Hindi Meaning

जो मनुष्य इस शरीर के रहते हुए ही काम और क्रोध से उत्पन्न होने वाले वेगों को सहन कर सकता है, वही योगयुक्त और वास्तव में सुखी मनुष्य है।

English Meaning

“One who is able to withstand the urges arising from desire and anger before giving up the body is a true yogi and a genuinely happy person.”

Word-by-Word Meaning

Sanskrit Word	Meaning
शक्नोति (Shaknoti)	Is able
इह एव (Iha Eva)	Here in this life
यः (Yah)	Who
सोढुम् (Sodhum)	To endure or tolerate
प्राक् (Prak)	Before
शरीर-विमोक्षणात् (Sharira-vimokshanat)	Leaving the body
काम (Kama)	Desire
क्रोध (Krodha)	Anger
उद्भवम् (Udbhavam)	Arising from
वेगम् (Vegam)	Impulse or force
सः (Sah)	He
युक्तः (Yuktah)	United in Yoga
सः (Sah)	He
सुखी (Sukhi)	Happy
नरः (Narah)	Person

Context of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Verse 23

Earlier in Chapter 5, Lord Krishna explained the importance of detached action, self-realization, and inner peace.

In the verses preceding 5.23, He teaches that worldly pleasures are temporary and often become sources of suffering because they arise from contact with external objects.

Now, Krishna presents the practical solution:

Rather than being controlled by desires and anger, a seeker should develop the strength to master them.

Such mastery leads to enduring happiness and spiritual freedom.

Deep Meaning of Bhagavad Gita 5.23

Desire and anger are closely connected.

When desires are fulfilled, attachment grows.

When desires are obstructed, anger often arises.

These two forces disturb the mind and cloud judgment.

Krishna advises that true Yoga is not escaping from life but learning to remain steady even when powerful emotions arise.

The strongest victory is victory over oneself.

Understanding “Kama” and “Krodha”

Kama (Desire)

Kama refers to uncontrolled cravings for pleasure, possessions, recognition, or sensory enjoyment.

Examples include:

Greed for wealth.
Obsession with fame.
Excessive attachment to comfort.
Uncontrolled addictions.

Krodha (Anger)

Krodha arises when desires are frustrated or expectations remain unfulfilled.

It often leads to:

Poor decisions.
Broken relationships.
Regret.
Emotional suffering.

Krishna teaches that mastering these impulses is essential for wisdom.

Spiritual Insight from Bhagavad Gita 5.23

The phrase “before leaving the body” emphasizes that spiritual practice should happen during this lifetime.

Liberation is not achieved merely at death but through conscious inner transformation while living.

Every moment provides an opportunity to choose patience over impulse, wisdom over reaction, and awareness over attachment.

This gradual mastery purifies the mind and prepares the soul for realization.

Modern-Day Relevance

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Verse 23 is highly relevant today.

Modern life constantly stimulates desires through:

Social media.
Consumerism.
Competition.
Instant gratification.
Material comparison.

Similarly, frustration often produces anger through:

Workplace stress.
Traffic.
Family conflicts.
Online disagreements.

Krishna's teaching encourages emotional intelligence and mindful self-control, qualities increasingly valuable in today's world.

Leadership Lesson from Bhagavad Gita 5.23

Great Leaders Master Their Emotions

Exceptional leaders:

Stay calm under pressure.
Control anger before reacting.
Make thoughtful decisions.
Resist impulsive temptations.
Lead through patience and wisdom.

Emotional mastery builds trust and long-term success.

Life Lesson from Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Verse 23

1. Control Desires

Not every craving deserves fulfillment.

2. Pause Before Reacting

Patience prevents many regrets.

3. Practice Self-Discipline Daily

Small acts of restraint build inner strength.

4. Seek Lasting Happiness

Inner peace is greater than temporary pleasure.

Practical Example

Imagine a manager receives harsh criticism during an important meeting.

One response is immediate anger, leading to conflict and damaged relationships.

Another response is to remain calm, listen carefully, reflect objectively, and respond respectfully.

The second approach demonstrates mastery over anger and leads to better outcomes.

Krishna teaches that such emotional control is the mark of a true yogi.

Famous Quote from This Verse

“The one who conquers desire and anger while living is truly united in Yoga and experiences lasting happiness.”

FAQs About Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Verse 23

Q1.What does Bhagavad Gita 5.23 teach?

Ans: It teaches that the person who controls the impulses of desire and anger during life is a true yogi and experiences genuine happiness.

Q2.Why are desire and anger connected?

Ans: Anger often arises when desires are blocked or expectations are not fulfilled.

Q3.Does Krishna ask us to suppress emotions?

Ans: No. He teaches mindful control and wise management of emotions rather than unhealthy suppression.

Q4.What is the meaning of “before leaving the body”?

Ans: It means spiritual mastery should be achieved while living through conscious practice and self-discipline.

Q5.Why is this verse important?

Because it explains that conquering inner impulses is one of the greatest achievements on the spiritual path.

Key Teachings from Bhagavad Gita 5.23

Master desire and anger.
Self-control leads to lasting happiness.
Emotional discipline is true strength.
Yoga requires inner transformation.
Spiritual growth begins with conquering oneself.

Related Bhagavad Gita Verses

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 62
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 63
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 37
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Verse 24

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Verse 23 delivers a timeless message about the power of self-mastery. Lord Krishna teaches that the individual who can withstand the powerful urges of desire and anger while living is truly united in Yoga and experiences genuine happiness.

Rather than allowing impulses to dictate our actions, Krishna encourages us to cultivate patience, discipline, and inner awareness. By mastering our emotions and directing our energy toward higher values, we develop resilience, clarity, and lasting peace. This verse reminds us that the greatest victory is not over others but over the restless tendencies within ourselves.

Harishyam Arts

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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.

Harishyam Arts | Jaipur

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