योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि — Word-by-Word Meaning
योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
योगस्थः
yoga-sthaḥ
being steadfast in yoga
कुरु
kuru
perform
कर्माणि
karmāṇi
duties, actions
सङ्गम्
saṅgam
attachment
त्यक्त्वा
tyaktvā
having abandoned
धनञ्जय
dhanañjaya
O Arjuna (winner of wealth)
सिद्धि-असिद्ध्योः
siddhi-asiddhyoḥ
in success and failure
समः
samaḥ
equipoised, even-minded
भूत्वा
bhūtvā
becoming
समत्वम्
samatvam
equanimity, evenness of mind
योगः
yogaḥ
yoga
उच्यते
uchyate
is called
Complete Translation
हे धनंजय आसक्ति को त्याग कर तथा सिद्धि और असिद्धि में समभाव होकर योग में स्थित हुये तुम कर्म करो। यह समभाव ही योग कहलाता है।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 48
Author: Veda Vyasa (Lord Krishna's teaching)
Period: Itihasa (Mahabharata)
In the second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, the Sankhya Yoga, Lord Krishna lifts Arjuna out of his despondency on the battlefield by teaching the path of selfless action. In this verse he gives the essence of Karma Yoga — to act while remaining steadfast in yoga, free of attachment, even-minded in success and failure — and defines this equanimity as yoga itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Yogasthah Kuru Karmani?▼
From Bhagavad Gita 2.48, it means: 'Perform action, O Arjuna, being steadfast in Yoga, abandoning attachment and balanced in success and failure; evenness of mind is called Yoga.' It is Krishna's core teaching of Karma Yoga — acting without attachment to results.
What does 'samatvam yoga uchyate' mean?▼
It means 'equanimity (evenness of mind) is called yoga.' Krishna defines yoga here not as a posture but as an inner state of balance — remaining the same in success and failure, gain and loss, while performing one's duty.
How do I apply this verse in daily life?▼
Do your work and duties with full sincerity and effort, but release your grip on the outcome. Treat success and failure with the same calm acceptance. This steady, even-minded attitude turns ordinary action into yoga.
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