Bhagavad Gita 2.71 — Vihaya Kaman Yah Sarvan
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 2.71 — विहाय कामान्यः सर्वान्
Also known as: vihaya kaman yah sarvan · bhagavad gita 2.71 · gita chapter 2 verse 71 · shantim adhigachchhati · desireless peace gita
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✦ Meaning
Closing the description of the sthitaprajna, Krishna reveals the secret of lasting peace: the one who abandons all desires and lives free of longing, possessiveness and ego attains shanti. This verse sets the formula for spiritual freedom — letting go of 'I' and 'mine' leads directly to peace.
Origin & Story
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 71 · Bhagavan Sri Krishna (as recorded by Maharishi Veda Vyasa) · Ancient (part of the Mahabharata, c. 5th–2nd century BCE in present form)
As Chapter 2 draws to a close, Krishna completes his portrait of the enlightened sage with this verse on desirelessness. It answers Arjuna's question about how the wise live and act, declaring that peace belongs to those who have surrendered craving and ego. The verse is cherished as a concise map from desire to liberation.
✦ As told in scripture
Devotees who take this verse to heart are said to discover a peace that worldly gains cannot give nor losses take away; tradition holds that the egoless, desireless soul of this verse stands at the very threshold of moksha.
The Mantra
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विहाय कामान्यः सर्वान्पुमांश्चरति निःस्पृहः। निर्ममो निरहंकारः स शांतिमधिगच्छति॥
vihāya kāmān yaḥ sarvān pumānśh charati niḥspṛihaḥ nirmamo nirahankāraḥ sa śhāntim adhigachchhati
Meaning:That person attains peace who, abandoning all desires, moves about without longing, without the sense of ownership, and without egoism.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Bhagavad Gita 2.71 — Vihaya Kaman Yah Sarvan
Reveals the direct path to lasting inner peace (shanti)
Frees the heart from craving, possessiveness and ego
Dissolves the sense of 'I' and 'mine' that binds the soul
Cultivates contentment and freedom from hankering (nihsprihah)
A powerful affirmation for renunciation and equanimity
Prepares the mind for the brahmi-sthiti (state of Brahman) named in the next verse
How to Chant Bhagavad Gita 2.71 — Vihaya Kaman Yah Sarvan
Recite the verse and meditate on releasing one desire, one attachment, one assertion of ego at a time. Let the words nirmamo nirahankāraḥ remind you to relax the grip of 'mine' and 'I'. Conclude by resting in the silent peace (shanti) that arises when wanting subsides.
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