Bhagavad Gita 2.56 — Duhkheshv-anudvigna-manah
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 2.56 — दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः
Also known as: duhkheshv anudvigna manah · bhagavad gita 2.56 · gita chapter 2 verse 56 · sthitaprajna shloka · sthita dhir munir uchyate
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✦ Meaning
This celebrated verse defines the sthitaprajna — the sage of steady wisdom. Such a person is not agitated in sorrow, does not crave pleasures, and is free of attachment, fear and anger. It is part of Krishna's famous description of the enlightened soul that closes the second chapter, offering a portrait of perfect equanimity.
Origin & Story
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 56 · Bhagavan Sri Krishna (as recorded by Maharishi Veda Vyasa) · Ancient (part of the Mahabharata, c. 5th–2nd century BCE in present form)
When Arjuna asks Krishna to describe the marks of a person whose wisdom is steady, Krishna responds with a luminous series of verses, of which this is among the most loved. It distils the goal of all yoga — a mind so balanced that neither grief nor pleasure can disturb it. Generations of seekers have memorised these verses as a daily mirror for self-examination.
✦ As told in scripture
It is traditionally taught that one who meditates on the sthitaprajna verses gradually acquires their qualities; saints describe such devotees as remaining serene as a lamp in a windless place even amid the storms of worldly life.
The Mantra
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दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः। वीतरागभयक्रोधः स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते॥
duḥkheṣhv-anudvigna-manāḥ sukheṣhu vigata-spṛihaḥ vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhaḥ sthita-dhīr munir uchyate
Meaning:He whose mind is not shaken by adversity, who does not long for pleasures, and is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Bhagavad Gita 2.56 — Duhkheshv-anudvigna-manah
Defines the qualities of a sthitaprajna — the sage of steady wisdom
Helps the mind remain undisturbed in sorrow and unattached in joy
Frees the heart from attachment (raga), fear (bhaya) and anger (krodha)
A daily contemplation for cultivating unshakable inner calm
Guides the seeker toward self-mastery and emotional balance
Inspires equanimity that is the foundation of meditation and devotion
How to Chant Bhagavad Gita 2.56 — Duhkheshv-anudvigna-manah
Chant the verse slowly and reflect on each quality — undisturbed in sorrow, free of craving in pleasure, beyond attachment, fear and anger. Use it as a daily self-review: gently observe where the mind is shaken and resolve to return to the steady, witnessing calm of the sthitaprajna.
Frequently Asked Questions
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