
6
CHAPTER
VERSE
22
यं लब्ध्वा चापरं लाभं मन्यते नाधिकं तत: |
यस्मिन्स्थितो न दु:खेन गुरुणापि विचाल्यते || 6.22 ||
Yaṁ labdhvā chāparaṁ lābhaṁ manyate nādhikaṁ tataḥ
Yasmin sthito na duḥkhena gurunāpi vicālyate ||
One who finds contentment within himself upon obtaining something and does not waver even when facing adversity is established in yoga, O Arjuna.
Lesson:
A person who attains something (labdhvā chāparaṁ lābhaṁ) and considers it to be not greater than what he already possesses does not experience any increase in happiness or satisfaction (manyate nādhikaṁ tataḥ). This implies that true contentment comes from within and is not dependent on external possessions or achievements. When one learns to find happiness and satisfaction in the present moment, without constantly seeking more or feeling lacking, they become truly content.
Furthermore, Krishna states that such an individual remains steadfast and undisturbed (yasmin sthito) even in the face of adversity or suffering (na duḥkhena). Despite encountering difficulties or challenges in life, they do not lose their inner stability or peace of mind. This inner strength allows them to navigate through life's ups and downs with equanimity and resilience.
By emphasizing the importance of contentment and inner stability, Lord Krishna underscores the essence of yoga practice. Yoga is not just about physical postures or breathing techniques but also about cultivating a state of inner peace, harmony, and balance. Through yoga, individuals learn to detach themselves from the fluctuations of the external world and find lasting happiness within themselves.
This verse teaches us that true happiness and contentment do not come from external sources but from within. When we learn to be content with what we have and maintain inner stability amidst life's challenges, we attain a state of yoga – a state of union with our true self and with the universe. This state of inner peace and resilience enables us to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, irrespective of external circumstances.